Morocco: jobs and pay

What is the unemployment rate in Morocco?

Morocco's strict unemployment rate was 9.5% in the second quarter of 2026, down from 10.8% in the first quarter, according to the High Commission for Planning (HCP). The rate was 11.9% in towns and cities and 5.4% in rural areas. About 1,121,000 people were unemployed.

The figure comes from the new Labour Force Survey (EMO2026), which replaced the earlier National Employment Survey in 2026 and follows recent ILO standards. Under the new definitions, only people who are without paid work, available and actively looking count as unemployed, so the figures are not comparable with the old series. HCP has published back-calculated estimates for 2017 to 2025 on the new basis.

Official sources: HCP: Situation du marché du travail au deuxième trimestre 2026

What is the youth unemployment rate in Morocco?

The strict unemployment rate for people aged 15 to 24 in Morocco was 27.2% in the second quarter of 2026, down from 29.2% in the first quarter, according to the High Commission for Planning's Labour Force Survey note for the second quarter of 2026. The rate for women of all ages was 14.8%, against 8.1% for men. For holders of advanced diplomas it was 16.7%.

A rate of 27.2% means that about one in four young people in the labour force was without paid work and looking for a job. Most people of that age are studying and so are outside the labour force: HCP puts the participation rate of 15 to 24 year olds at 22.9%.

Official sources: HCP: Note d'information, marché du travail T2 2026 (PDF)

How many people are in work in Morocco?

About 10,643,000 people were in paid employment in Morocco in the second quarter of 2026, 279,000 more than in the first quarter, according to the High Commission for Planning (HCP). Services employed 5,251,000 people (49.3%), agriculture, forestry and fishing 2,569,000 (24.1%), industry 1,456,000 (13.7%) and construction 1,356,000 (12.7%).

The new survey counts only work done for pay or profit, so people producing mainly for their own household's use are no longer counted as employed. Bank Al-Maghrib reports, from the same survey, that 406,000 jobs were created over the year to the second quarter of 2026.

Official sources: HCP: Note d'information, marché du travail T2 2026 (PDF) · Bank Al-Maghrib: Board meeting press release, 22 September 2026

How many women work in Morocco?

The labour force participation rate of women in Morocco was 18.1% in the second quarter of 2026, against 66.5% for men, according to the High Commission for Planning. Women made up 21.5% of the labour force but 71.1% of people of working age outside it.

The participation rate is the share of people aged 15 and over who are either in paid work or unemployed and looking for work. The national rate for both sexes was 42.2%. Unpaid work in the household and production for own use are not counted as employment under the survey's definitions, which affects measured participation, particularly in rural areas.

Official sources: HCP: Situation du marché du travail au deuxième trimestre 2026

What is the minimum wage in Morocco?

Morocco's minimum wages are the SMIG for industry, trade and services and the SMAG for agriculture. They are set by government decree and published in the Bulletin officiel by the General Secretariat of the Government. On 15 October 2026 the sites of the Ministry of Economic Inclusion, Employment and Skills, the National Social Security Fund (CNSS) and the General Secretariat of the Government could not be reached, so no current amount is given here.

The High Commission for Planning's labour survey does not publish pay levels in its quarterly note. When checking a quoted figure, look for the decree number and its effective date and whether it is an hourly rate or a monthly equivalent.

Official sources: HCP: Situation du marché du travail au deuxième trimestre 2026

How much is the minimum wage in Morocco?

In 2024, the statutory minimum wage in Morocco was 3,120 MAD a month (about $314), according to the ILO. That is the highest since at least 2012.

How high is unemployment in Morocco?

According to the ILO, the unemployment rate in Morocco was 9.0% in 2025. The peak was 11.2% in 2020 and the low 8.9% in 2023. Middle East, North Africa, Afghanistan & Pakistan median: 8.3%; Morocco is 10th highest of 21. World rank, highest first: 38th of 174.

What is youth unemployment in Morocco?

According to the ILO, unemployment among 15 to 24 year olds in Morocco was 21.9% in 2025. Its high point since 2005 was 2020, at 26.8%; its low point was 2007, at 15.6%. Across Middle East, North Africa, Afghanistan & Pakistan the middle value was 18.3%, and Morocco placed 10th highest of 21. Worldwide: 35th of 174.

What is the labour force participation rate in Morocco?

The ILO puts the labour force participation rate in Morocco at 43.9% in 2025. No year since 2005 has been lower. Middle East, North Africa, Afghanistan & Pakistan median: 45.2%; Morocco is 13th highest of 21. Of 174 countries with 2025 data, 159th highest.

What is female labour force participation in Morocco?

The ILO puts the labour force participation rate for women in Morocco at 19.7% in 2025. Its high point since 2005 was 2008, at 26.3%; its low point was 2022, at 19.6%. It is 12th highest of 21 in Middle East, North Africa, Afghanistan & Pakistan, where the median is 24.0%. Worldwide: 165th of 174.

How many people in Morocco are employed?

40.0%: that is the employment to population ratio in Morocco for 2025, according to the ILO. Since 2005 it has ranged from 39.6% (2020) to 45.8% (2007). Across Middle East, North Africa, Afghanistan & Pakistan the middle value was 40.0%, and Morocco placed 11th highest of 21. World rank, highest first: 157th of 174.

How many workers in Morocco are self-employed or family workers?

The latest figure from the ILO, for 2025, is 35.5%. It is the bottom of the series, which starts in 2005. It is 6th highest of 21 in Middle East, North Africa, Afghanistan & Pakistan, where the median is 21.6%. Worldwide: 74th of 174.

What share of jobs in Morocco are salaried?

In 2025, the share of workers who are paid employees in Morocco was 59.9%, according to the ILO. 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 Morocco placed 15th highest of 21. Worldwide: 97th of 174.