Malta: jobs and pay

What is Malta's unemployment rate?

Malta's unemployment rate was 3.4% in August 2026, seasonally adjusted, according to Eurostat. The EU rate was 6.1%. For people under 25, the rate was 9.7% in Malta and 15.4% in the EU.

The rate has risen from 2.7% in September 2025 and has been between 3.4% and 3.6% since December 2025. About 12,000 people were unemployed in August 2026, according to Eurostat. These figures follow the International Labour Organization definition, based on the Labour Force Survey, and differ from counts of people registered with Jobsplus.

Official sources: Eurostat: monthly unemployment rate, Malta and EU · Eurostat: unemployed persons, Malta

What is the minimum wage in Malta?

The ILO puts the statutory minimum wage in Malta at 994 EUR a month in 2026. It is the top of the series, which starts in 2012.

How much do workers in Malta earn on average?

The latest figure from the ILO, for 2021, is $3,947 a month. That is the highest since at least 2012. Across Middle East, North Africa, Afghanistan & Pakistan the middle value was $475 a month, and Malta placed 1st highest of 5. World rank, highest first: 15th of 90.

How high is unemployment in Malta?

According to the ILO, the unemployment rate in Malta was 2.9% in 2025. It is the bottom of the series, which starts in 2005. Middle East, North Africa, Afghanistan & Pakistan median: 8.3%; Malta is 17th highest of 21. Of 174 countries with 2025 data, 140th highest.

What is youth unemployment in Malta?

According to the ILO, unemployment among 15 to 24 year olds in Malta was 8.4% in 2025. No year since 2005 has been lower. Across Middle East, North Africa, Afghanistan & Pakistan the middle value was 18.3%, and Malta placed 17th highest of 21. World rank, highest first: 123rd of 174.

How many people in Malta are working or looking for work?

According to the ILO, the labour force participation rate in Malta was 64.0% in 2025. The peak was 64.3% in 2023 and the low 48.7% in 2005. It is 8th highest of 21 in Middle East, North Africa, Afghanistan & Pakistan, where the median is 45.2%. Of 174 countries with 2025 data, 74th highest.

What is female labour force participation in Malta?

The ILO puts the labour force participation rate for women in Malta at 55.8% in 2025. The peak was 55.9% in 2024 and the low 29.9% in 2005. It is 3rd highest of 21 in Middle East, North Africa, Afghanistan & Pakistan, where the median is 24.0%. Of 174 countries with 2025 data, 74th highest.

What share of adults in Malta have a job?

The ILO puts the employment to population ratio in Malta at 62.1% in 2025. Since 2005 it has ranged from 45.3% (2005) to 62.2% (2024). It is 8th highest of 21 in Middle East, North Africa, Afghanistan & Pakistan, where the median is 40.0%. Worldwide: 55th of 174.

How common is self-employment in Malta?

10.1%: that is the share of workers who are own-account or contributing family workers in Malta for 2025, according to the ILO. That is the lowest since at least 2005. Middle East, North Africa, Afghanistan & Pakistan median: 21.6%; Malta is 13th highest of 21. Worldwide: 140th of 174.

How many people in Malta are employees?

The latest figure from the ILO, for 2025, is 86.1%. It is the top of the series, which starts in 2005. Across Middle East, North Africa, Afghanistan & Pakistan the middle value was 74.1%, and Malta placed 9th highest of 21. World rank, highest first: 34th of 174.