Saint Vincent and the Grenadines: jobs and pay

What is the unemployment rate in St Vincent and the Grenadines?

Unemployment in St Vincent and the Grenadines was 17.9% at the 2023 census, down from 21.5% in 2012, according to the Statistical Office's 2023 Population and Housing Census report. It was 19.8% for women and 16.3% for men, and 51.1% for 15 to 19 year olds in the labour force.

The office's 2022 Labour Force Survey report gives two measures: 10.8% under the strict definition, which counts only people actively looking for work, and 20.8% under the relaxed definition, which also counts people who want work and are available but are not searching. The census and the survey measure unemployment in different ways and in different years, so compare like with like when reading them.

Official sources: Statistical Office: 2023 Population and Housing Census report (PDF) · Statistical Office: 2022 Labour Force Survey report (PDF)

What is the pension age in St Vincent and the Grenadines?

The pensionable age in St Vincent and the Grenadines is 64 from 2025 to 2027 and rises to 65 from 2028, according to the National Insurance Services' age benefit page. The age has been rising in steps from 60 in 2014 to 2015. By year of birth, people born in 1962 or 1963 reach pensionable age at 64, and people born in 1964 or later at 65.

The minimum contributions for a full pension are rising at the same time, from 500 weeks in 2014 to 700 weeks in 2025 to 2027 and 750 weeks from 2028. Pensions are based on the best seven years of salary over a career. People who retire early receive a pension reduced by 0.67% for each month before their pensionable age. The changes are part of the scheme's pension reform.

Official sources: NIS: Age benefit · NIS: Pension reform

How much is the minimum wage in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines?

According to the ILO, the statutory minimum wage in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines was 1,310 XCD a month (about $485) in 2024. No year since 2012 has been higher.

How high is unemployment in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines?

The latest figure from the ILO, for 2025, is 18.0%. No year since 2005 has been lower. Latin America & Caribbean median: 6.0%; Saint Vincent and the Grenadines is 1st highest of 29. Of 174 countries with 2025 data, 10th highest.

What is the youth unemployment rate in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines?

41.9%: that is unemployment among 15 to 24 year olds in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines for 2025, according to the ILO. Its high point since 2005 was 2020, at 47.7%; its low point was 2007, at 39.9%. Across Latin America & Caribbean the middle value was 14.0%, and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines placed 1st highest of 29. Of 174 countries with 2025 data, 6th highest.

What is the labour force participation rate in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines?

In 2025, the labour force participation rate in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines was 67.9%, according to the ILO. Its high point since 2005 was 2024, at 68.0%; its low point was 2005, at 65.8%. It is 7th highest of 29 in Latin America & Caribbean, where the median is 63.4%. World rank, highest first: 36th of 174.

What is female labour force participation in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines?

In 2025, the labour force participation rate for women in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines was 59.2%, according to the ILO. The peak was 59.3% in 2024 and the low 50.7% in 2005. Latin America & Caribbean median: 52.5%; Saint Vincent and the Grenadines is 7th highest of 29. World rank, highest first: 51st of 174.

What share of adults in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines have a job?

The ILO puts the employment to population ratio in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines at 55.7% in 2025. Its high point since 2005 was 2024, at 55.7%; its low point was 2020, at 52.8%. It is 21st highest of 29 in Latin America & Caribbean, where the median is 59.4%. World rank, highest first: 106th of 174.

How many workers in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines are self-employed or family workers?

22.0%: that is the share of workers who are own-account or contributing family workers in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines for 2025, according to the ILO. The peak was 22.8% in 2020 and the low 20.5% in 2007. Across Latin America & Caribbean the middle value was 29.8%, and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines placed 23rd highest of 29. Of 174 countries with 2025 data, 111th highest.

What share of workers in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines earn a wage or salary?

The ILO puts the share of workers who are paid employees in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines at 74.3% in 2025. Since 2005 it has ranged from 73.3% (2020) to 74.8% (2007). Across Latin America & Caribbean the middle value was 64.8%, and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines placed 7th highest of 29. Worldwide: 63rd of 174.