Tunisia: jobs and pay

What is the unemployment rate in Tunisia?

Tunisia's unemployment rate was 14.9% in the second quarter of 2026, down from 15.0% in the first quarter, according to the National Institute of Statistics (INS) employment survey. 622,400 people were unemployed.

Unemployment was 11.8% for men and 21.6% for women, and 14.8% in urban areas against 15.0% in rural areas. The labour force was 4,190,500 people, and the participation rate fell to 44.7% of people aged 15 and over. INS runs the national employment survey every quarter.

Official sources: INS: Employment and unemployment indicators, Q2 2026

What is the unemployment rate for graduates in Tunisia?

26.6% of higher education graduates in Tunisia's labour force were unemployed in the second quarter of 2026, up from 24.2% in the first quarter, according to the National Institute of Statistics (INS) employment note. The rate was 14.2% for male graduates and 35.6% for female graduates.

The graduate rate is well above the national unemployment rate of 14.9%. INS also publishes the youth unemployment rate for people aged 15 to 24 in the same quarterly note, with series back to 2022.

Official sources: INS: Employment note, Q2 2026 (PDF)

What is the minimum wage in Tunisia?

Tunisia's guaranteed minimum wage for all occupations (SMIG) was 2.254 dinars an hour under the 40-hour regime and 2.208 dinars under the 48-hour regime, from October 2022, according to the INS Statistical Yearbook 2019-2023. The table shows the rate unchanged in October 2023.

The SMIG is set by government decree. Farm workers have a separate agricultural minimum wage (SMAG), also listed in the yearbook. The yearbook covers changes up to 2023.

Official sources: INS: Statistical Yearbook of Tunisia 2019-2023 (PDF)

How many people in Tunisia have a job?

3,568,100 people were employed in Tunisia in the second quarter of 2026, down 58,200 from the first quarter, according to the National Institute of Statistics (INS). Men made up 71.4% of the employed and women 28.6%.

By sector, 49.9% worked in services, 20.4% in manufacturing, 13.5% in non-manufacturing industry such as construction and mining, and 16.3% in agriculture and fishing. The employment survey counts both formal and informal jobs.

Official sources: INS: Employment and unemployment indicators, Q2 2026

How much is the minimum wage in Tunisia?

The latest figure from the ILO, for 2024, is 492 TND a month (about $158). It is the top of the series, which starts in 2012.

What is the average wage in Tunisia?

$252 a month: that is average monthly earnings of employees in Tunisia for 2019, according to the ILO. Middle East, North Africa, Afghanistan & Pakistan median: $780 a month; Tunisia is 7th highest of 9. Worldwide: 88th of 114.

What is the unemployment rate in Tunisia?

According to the ILO, the unemployment rate in Tunisia was 15.1% in 2025. The peak was 18.3% in 2011 and the low 12.4% in 2007. Middle East, North Africa, Afghanistan & Pakistan median: 8.3%; Tunisia is 6th highest of 21. World rank, highest first: 15th of 174.

What is youth unemployment in Tunisia?

According to the ILO, unemployment among 15 to 24 year olds in Tunisia was 38.1% in 2025. The peak was 42.6% in 2011 and the low 27.9% in 2006. It is 4th highest of 21 in Middle East, North Africa, Afghanistan & Pakistan, where the median is 18.3%. Worldwide: 9th of 174.

What is the labour force participation rate in Tunisia?

According to the ILO, the labour force participation rate in Tunisia was 45.2% in 2025. It is the bottom of the series, which starts in 2005. It is 11th highest of 21 in Middle East, North Africa, Afghanistan & Pakistan, where the median is 45.2%. Of 174 countries with 2025 data, 157th highest.

What is female labour force participation in Tunisia?

In 2025, the labour force participation rate for women in Tunisia was 26.5%, according to the ILO. Its high point since 2005 was 2019, at 28.3%; its low point was 2005, at 23.7%. It is 10th highest of 21 in Middle East, North Africa, Afghanistan & Pakistan, where the median is 24.0%. World rank, highest first: 159th of 174.

How many people in Tunisia are employed?

In 2025, the employment to population ratio in Tunisia was 38.4%, according to the ILO. Since 2005 it has ranged from 37.5% (2020) to 41.2% (2010). Across Middle East, North Africa, Afghanistan & Pakistan the middle value was 40.0%, and Tunisia placed 13th highest of 21. Of 174 countries with 2025 data, 159th highest.

How common is self-employment in Tunisia?

The ILO puts the share of workers who are own-account or contributing family workers in Tunisia at 17.9% in 2025. That is the lowest since at least 2005. Middle East, North Africa, Afghanistan & Pakistan median: 21.6%; Tunisia is 12th highest of 21. Of 174 countries with 2025 data, 120th highest.

How many people in Tunisia are employees?

According to the ILO, the share of workers who are paid employees in Tunisia was 75.1% in 2025. Since 2005 it has ranged from 70.0% (2006) to 75.5% (2017). Across Middle East, North Africa, Afghanistan & Pakistan the middle value was 74.1%, and Tunisia placed 10th highest of 21. World rank, highest first: 60th of 174.