Saint Kitts and Nevis: jobs and pay

What is the unemployment rate in St Kitts and Nevis?

St Kitts and Nevis had an unemployment rate of 2.0% in 2016, according to the Department of Statistics' summary of the labour market by sex, 2013 and 2016. The rate was 2.1% for men and 1.9% for women, and 449 people were unemployed out of a labour force of 22,146. The rate in 2013 was 3.9%.

Youth unemployment was 4.5% in 2016 and 8.1% in 2013. The labour force participation rate, the share of the working-age population working or looking for work, was 74.9%. The 2016 survey is the latest on the department's labour force page. Survey estimates for a small population have wide margins of error, so small changes between years should be read with care.

Official sources: Department of Statistics: Summary of the labour market by sex, 2013 and 2016 · Department of Statistics: Labour force

What is the retirement age in St Kitts and Nevis?

The social security age pension in St Kitts and Nevis can start from age 62, according to the St Christopher and Nevis Social Security Board's age benefit page. To qualify, an insured person must have at least 500 paid and credited contributions, of which at least 150 must be paid. Payments can begin in the month of the 62nd birthday.

People aged 62 with between 50 and 499 contributions receive an age grant instead: a lump sum of six times their average weekly wage for each unit of 50 contributions. Pensions do not start automatically; the board asks claimants to apply no later than three months after their 62nd birthday. The board also runs non-contributory pensions for older people who do not qualify through contributions.

Official sources: SSB: Age benefit · SSB: Non-contributory pensions

What is the minimum wage in Saint Kitts and Nevis?

The latest figure from the ILO, for 2024, is 1,560 XCD a month (about $578). No year since 2012 has been higher.