North Macedonia: jobs and pay

What is the unemployment rate in North Macedonia?

North Macedonia's unemployment rate was 11.3% in the second quarter of 2026, according to the SSO Labour Force Survey. The number of unemployed people fell 1.5% from a year earlier, while employment rose 1%. The activity rate was 52.5% and the employment rate 46.6%.

63.6% of unemployed people were men. The SSO estimates 101,022 people were informally employed, half of them in agriculture. The annual unemployment rate for 2025 was 11.5%, according to North Macedonia in Figures 2026, down from 16.2% in 2020.

Official sources: SSO: Active population, second quarter 2026 · SSO: North Macedonia in Figures 2026 (PDF)

What is the average salary in North Macedonia?

The average monthly net wage paid per employee in North Macedonia was 48,499 denars in July 2026, 7.1% more than in July 2025, according to the State Statistical Office. The average gross wage was 72,935 denars, according to the SSO's gross wage release.

Net pay is after personal income tax and social contributions. The largest annual increases in net pay were in financial and insurance activities (10.7%) and in water supply and waste management (10.4%). Average wages are pulled up by higher earners, so most employees earn less than the average.

Official sources: SSO: Average monthly net wage, July 2026 · SSO: Average monthly gross wage

What is the minimum wage in North Macedonia?

The gross monthly minimum wage in North Macedonia was EUR 624 in the second half of 2026, up from EUR 586 in the first half, according to Eurostat's minimum wage data, which convert national amounts to euros. The minimum wage is set in denars under the Law on Minimum Wage and is adjusted each year.

Eurostat reports gross amounts, before income tax and contributions, so the net minimum wage received by workers is lower. The euro value can also change slightly with the exchange rate.

Official sources: Eurostat: Monthly minimum wages

What is youth unemployment in North Macedonia?

Youth unemployment in North Macedonia was 23.0% in 2025, according to the Ministry of Finance's 2025 public debt management report, which says it has almost halved over the past decade. The same report says employment rose 1.5% in 2025 to 704,617 people and the overall unemployment rate fell to 11.5%.

The figures come from the SSO Labour Force Survey. Youth unemployment usually refers to people aged 15 to 24 who are looking for work, as a share of all young people in the labour force, not of all young people.

Official sources: Ministry of Finance: Annual public debt management report 2025 (PDF, in Macedonian)

How much is the minimum wage in North Macedonia?

The ILO puts the statutory minimum wage in North Macedonia at 38,507 MKD a month in 2026. That is the highest since at least 2013.

What is North Macedonia's unemployment rate?

The latest figure from the ILO, for 2025, is 12.3%. It is the bottom of the series, which starts in 2005. Across Europe & Central Asia the middle value was 5.5%, and North Macedonia placed 3rd highest of 47. World rank, highest first: 22nd of 174.

What is youth unemployment in North Macedonia?

In 2025, unemployment among 15 to 24 year olds in North Macedonia was 28.8%, according to the ILO. Its high point since 2005 was 2005, at 62.0%; its low point was 2024, at 28.7%. Europe & Central Asia median: 14.2%; North Macedonia is 2nd highest of 47. Of 174 countries with 2025 data, 19th highest.

What share of people in North Macedonia are in the labour force?

The latest figure from the ILO, for 2025, is 51.9%. The peak was 54.7% in 2008 and the low 51.6% in 2021. It is 42nd highest of 47 in Europe & Central Asia, where the median is 60.3%. Of 174 countries with 2025 data, 146th highest.

What share of women in North Macedonia are in the labour force?

The ILO puts the labour force participation rate for women in North Macedonia at 42.7% in 2025. Since 2005 it has ranged from 40.7% (2010) to 43.6% (2013). Across Europe & Central Asia the middle value was 54.6%, and North Macedonia placed 40th highest of 47. Worldwide: 132nd of 174.

What is the employment rate in North Macedonia?

In 2025, the employment to population ratio in North Macedonia was 45.6%, according to the ILO. Since 2005 it has ranged from 33.4% (2005) to 45.8% (2024). It is 44th highest of 47 in Europe & Central Asia, where the median is 56.6%. Worldwide: 150th of 174.

What is vulnerable employment in North Macedonia?

In 2025, the share of workers who are own-account or contributing family workers in North Macedonia was 12.3%, according to the ILO. Its high point since 2005 was 2013, at 23.4%; its low point was 2023, at 9.9%. Europe & Central Asia median: 11.0%; North Macedonia is 21st highest of 47. Of 174 countries with 2025 data, 132nd highest.

How many people in North Macedonia are employees?

83.4%: that is the share of workers who are paid employees in North Macedonia for 2025, according to the ILO. Its high point since 2005 was 2023, at 84.1%; its low point was 2005, at 71.7%. It is 28th highest of 47 in Europe & Central Asia, where the median is 85.5%. Worldwide: 43rd of 174.