Samoa: jobs and pay

What is the unemployment rate in Samoa?

Samoa's unemployment rate was 5.0% in 2022, according to the Samoa Bureau of Statistics' Labour Force and Child Labour Survey 2022 report, the latest labour force survey on its site. Female unemployment, at 7.8%, was more than twice the male rate of 3.5%.

The bureau links the low rate to people finding jobs after Samoa reopened its borders in August 2022, especially in accommodation. Youth unemployment was 13.4%. The rate counts only people looking for work, so it leaves out people who would like work but are not looking for it.

Official sources: Samoa Bureau of Statistics: Labour Force and Child Labour Survey 2022 (PDF)

What is the average wage in Samoa?

Average wages in Samoa's formal sector were SAT $12,304 per worker for the June 2026 quarter, according to the Samoa Bureau of Statistics' employment statistics for the June 2026 quarter. Women averaged $12,553 and men $12,072. Formal employment rose 8.2% on a year earlier to 28,455 people.

The figures come from Samoa National Provident Fund records, so they cover only registered formal jobs. Total wages paid rose 24.6% to $350.1 million, mainly in public administration, restaurants and accommodation.

Official sources: Samoa Bureau of Statistics: employment statistics, June 2026 quarter (PDF)

How many people work in formal jobs in Samoa?

Samoa's formal employment index reached 120 in the June 2026 quarter (2013 = 100), up from 111 a year earlier, an 8.2% rise and the fifteenth quarter of growth in a row, according to the Samoa Bureau of Statistics' employment statistics for the June 2026 quarter. Public administration employed 29.5% of formal workers, and the wider services sector 60.2%.

The figures come from Samoa National Provident Fund records, so they cover registered employees and employers only. Unregistered and informal work is not included. The average annual wage across all employees was SAT $44,812.

Official sources: Samoa Bureau of Statistics: Employment Statistics, June 2026 quarter (PDF)

How much does an apprenticeship cost in Samoa?

A full-year Samoa Certificate III apprenticeship costs WST $2,500 in 2026, shared 65% by government ($1,625), 30% by the employer ($750) and 5% by the apprentice ($125), according to the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Labour's employment services page. A half-year course costs $1,250.

Applicants must be at least 18, hold a Certificate II from a Samoan TVET institute and have a year of relevant work experience in a current job. The same page covers the seasonal Labour Export scheme, foreign employment permits and minimum wage rates, though the minimum wage amount was not shown on the page on 15 October 2026.

Official sources: MCIL: Employment services

How much is the minimum wage in Samoa?

The ILO puts the statutory minimum wage in Samoa at 832 WST a month (about $302) in 2024. No year since 2012 has been higher.

What is the average wage in Samoa?

The latest figure from the ILO, for 2022, is $613 a month. It was $581 a month in 2012. Across East Asia & Pacific the middle value was $404 a month, and Samoa placed 4th highest of 10. Worldwide: 48th of 98.

What is the unemployment rate in Samoa?

The latest figure from the ILO, for 2025, is 5.0%. Its high point since 2005 was 2017, at 9.4%; its low point was 2024, at 4.9%. It is 6th highest of 24 in East Asia & Pacific, where the median is 2.9%. World rank, highest first: 91st of 174.

How many young people in Samoa are unemployed?

According to the ILO, unemployment among 15 to 24 year olds in Samoa was 13.0% in 2025. The peak was 19.4% in 2017 and the low 12.7% in 2024. It is 5th highest of 24 in East Asia & Pacific, where the median is 7.5%. World rank, highest first: 83rd of 174.

How many people in Samoa are working or looking for work?

42.5%: that is the labour force participation rate in Samoa for 2025, according to the ILO. That is the lowest since at least 2005. It is 24th highest of 24 in East Asia & Pacific, where the median is 65.3%. World rank, highest first: 160th of 174.

What share of women in Samoa are in the labour force?

The latest figure from the ILO, for 2025, is 30.7%. That is the lowest since at least 2005. It is 24th highest of 24 in East Asia & Pacific, where the median is 56.3%. Worldwide: 156th of 174.

What share of adults in Samoa have a job?

According to the ILO, the employment to population ratio in Samoa was 40.4% in 2025. No year since 2005 has been lower. It is 24th highest of 24 in East Asia & Pacific, where the median is 63.1%. World rank, highest first: 155th of 174.

What is vulnerable employment in Samoa?

According to the ILO, the share of workers who are own-account or contributing family workers in Samoa was 41.6% in 2025. That is the lowest since at least 2005. Across East Asia & Pacific the middle value was 40.0%, and Samoa placed 12th highest of 24. Worldwide: 62nd of 174.

What share of jobs in Samoa are salaried?

The latest figure from the ILO, for 2025, is 55.5%. That is the highest since at least 2005. Across East Asia & Pacific the middle value was 56.8%, and Samoa placed 13th highest of 24. World rank, highest first: 111th of 174.