Tonga: jobs and pay

What is the unemployment rate in Tonga?

Unemployment in Tonga was 2.2% in 2023, down 0.9 percentage points from 2018, according to the Tonga Statistics Department's 2023 Labour Force Survey report. Of 29,253 people in the labour force, 650 were without work, available and looking for it. Youth unemployment was about 6%.

The low rate sits alongside a labour force participation rate of 44.7%, so most people of working age are outside the labour force, and 53.5% of employment is informal. The survey also counts 2,364 people in the potential labour force, who want work but are not both searching and available. Employees earned an average of T$1,591 a month. Unemployment was higher in urban Tongatapu, at 3.2%.

Official sources: TSD: Labour Force Survey report 2023 (PDF)

What is the average wage in Tonga?

The latest figure from the ILO, for 2023, is $663 a month. It is 2nd highest of 9 in East Asia & Pacific, where the median is $358 a month. World rank, highest first: 40th of 80.

What is Tonga's unemployment rate?

According to the ILO, the unemployment rate in Tonga was 2.0% in 2025. Its high point since 2005 was 2020, at 2.7%; its low point was 2006, at 1.1%. East Asia & Pacific median: 2.9%; Tonga is 18th highest of 24. Worldwide: 158th of 174.

What is youth unemployment in Tonga?

The ILO puts unemployment among 15 to 24 year olds in Tonga at 6.0% in 2025. Its high point since 2005 was 2020, at 8.0%; its low point was 2006, at 2.9%. Across East Asia & Pacific the middle value was 7.5%, and Tonga placed 17th highest of 24. World rank, highest first: 142nd of 174.

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

In 2025, the labour force participation rate in Tonga was 49.8%, according to the ILO. That is the lowest since at least 2005. It is 23rd highest of 24 in East Asia & Pacific, where the median is 65.3%. Of 174 countries with 2025 data, 151st highest.

What is female labour force participation in Tonga?

The ILO puts the labour force participation rate for women in Tonga at 42.3% in 2025. The peak was 44.0% in 2005 and the low 42.3% in 2020. East Asia & Pacific median: 56.3%; Tonga is 21st highest of 24. Of 174 countries with 2025 data, 134th highest.

How many people in Tonga are employed?

According to the ILO, the employment to population ratio in Tonga was 48.8% in 2025. That is the lowest since at least 2005. East Asia & Pacific median: 63.1%; Tonga is 23rd highest of 24. Of 174 countries with 2025 data, 142nd highest.

How common is self-employment in Tonga?

According to the ILO, the share of workers who are own-account or contributing family workers in Tonga was 33.7% in 2025. That is the lowest since at least 2005. East Asia & Pacific median: 40.0%; Tonga is 14th highest of 24. Of 174 countries with 2025 data, 78th highest.

How many people in Tonga are employees?

The latest figure from the ILO, for 2025, is 58.2%. It is the top of the series, which starts in 2005. It is 12th highest of 24 in East Asia & Pacific, where the median is 56.8%. Worldwide: 103rd of 174.