Saint Lucia: jobs and pay

What is the unemployment rate in Saint Lucia?

Saint Lucia's unemployment rate rose to an estimated 12.6% in 2025 from 10.8% in 2024, according to the Ministry of Finance's Economic and Social Review 2025. Female unemployment rose to 16.9%, while male unemployment fell to 8.4%. Youth unemployment averaged 20.0%.

The rise came even though employment reached a record high, because more people joined the labour force: participation rose to 72.5%. The figures are preliminary. Accommodation and food services employed 16.2% of workers, the largest share.

Official sources: Ministry of Finance: Economic and Social Review 2025 (PDF)

What are the main jobs in Saint Lucia?

Accommodation and food services provided 16.2% of jobs in Saint Lucia in 2025, the largest share, followed by wholesale and retail trade at 15.6%, according to the Ministry of Finance's Economic and Social Review 2025, based on preliminary Central Statistical Office labour force data. Construction provided 8.7%, public administration 8.5% and administrative and support services 8.1%.

Average employment rose 2.9% to an estimated 100,210 people, and the labour force reached a record 114,708. The labour force participation rate rose from 69.3% to 72.5%. Shares are of all people employed, including the self-employed.

Official sources: Government of Saint Lucia: Economic and Social Review 2025 (PDF)

What is the average monthly salary in Saint Lucia?

The latest figure from the ILO, for 2016, is $786 a month. Across Latin America & Caribbean the middle value was $466 a month, and Saint Lucia placed 7th highest of 20. World rank, highest first: 51st of 102.

How high is unemployment in Saint Lucia?

In 2025, the unemployment rate in Saint Lucia was 9.5%, according to the ILO. It is the bottom of the series, which starts in 2005. Latin America & Caribbean median: 6.0%; Saint Lucia is 4th highest of 29. Worldwide: 34th of 174.

What is the youth unemployment rate in Saint Lucia?

According to the ILO, unemployment among 15 to 24 year olds in Saint Lucia was 20.3% in 2025. No year since 2005 has been lower. Latin America & Caribbean median: 14.0%; Saint Lucia is 7th highest of 29. World rank, highest first: 43rd of 174.

How many people in Saint Lucia are working or looking for work?

68.3%: that is the labour force participation rate in Saint Lucia for 2025, according to the ILO. The peak was 69.9% in 2018 and the low 53.7% in 2020. Across Latin America & Caribbean the middle value was 63.4%, and Saint Lucia placed 6th highest of 29. World rank, highest first: 34th of 174.

What share of women in Saint Lucia are in the labour force?

The latest figure from the ILO, for 2025, is 62.0%. Since 2005 it has ranged from 49.3% (2020) to 64.5% (2012). Latin America & Caribbean median: 52.5%; Saint Lucia is 5th highest of 29. Worldwide: 36th of 174.

What share of adults in Saint Lucia have a job?

In 2025, the employment to population ratio in Saint Lucia was 61.8%, according to the ILO. It is the top of the series, which starts in 2005. Latin America & Caribbean median: 59.4%; Saint Lucia is 8th highest of 29. World rank, highest first: 58th of 174.

What is vulnerable employment in Saint Lucia?

In 2025, the share of workers who are own-account or contributing family workers in Saint Lucia was 22.0%, according to the ILO. That is the lowest since at least 2005. It is 22nd highest of 29 in Latin America & Caribbean, where the median is 29.8%. Of 174 countries with 2025 data, 110th highest.

How many people in Saint Lucia are employees?

The ILO puts the share of workers who are paid employees in Saint Lucia at 73.3% in 2025. No year since 2005 has been higher. It is 10th highest of 29 in Latin America & Caribbean, where the median is 64.8%. Worldwide: 68th of 174.