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Iran Unemployment Rate

Iran's unemployment rate fell to an all-time low of 7.2% in Q4 2024. This is down from 7.5% in Q3 2024. The decrease in the unemployment rate occurred as the number of employed persons declined. This suggests the rate reduction is linked to more people leaving the workforce rather than solely job growth. Job creation was seen earlier in 2023/24 due to expansion in oil and non-oil sectors. Iran's record low unemployment rate was 7.2% in Q4 2024 and record high was 12.7% in Q3 2016.

Quarterly Historical Data (2015-2024)

(in %)
Quarter Unemployment Rate
Q4 2024 7.2%
Q3 2024 7.5%
Q2 2024 7.7%
Q1 2024 8.6%
Q4 2023 7.6%
Q3 2023 7.9%
Q2 2023 8.2%
Q1 2023 9.7%
Q4 2022 8.2%
Q3 2022 8.9%
Q2 2022 9.2%
Q1 2022 9.4%
Q4 2021 8.9%
Q3 2021 9.6%
Q2 2021 8.8%
Q1 2021 9.7%
Q4 2020 9.4%
Q3 2020 9.5%
Q2 2020 9.8%
Q1 2020 10.6%
Q4 2019 10.6%
Q3 2019 10.5%
Q2 2019 10.9%
Q1 2019 12.3%
Q4 2018 11.8%
Q3 2018 12.3%
Q2 2018 12.2%
Q1 2018 12.1%
Q4 2017 11.9%
Q3 2017 11.7%
Q2 2017 12.6%
Q1 2017 12.4%
Q4 2016 12.3%
Q3 2016 12.7%
Q2 2016 12.2%
Q1 2016 11.8%
Q4 2015 10.7%
Q3 2015 10.9%
Q2 2015 10.8%
Q1 2015 11.5%
Iran Unemployment Rate : Definition
The Iran unemployment rate measures the percentage of the labor force that is jobless, actively seeking work and available to start work. It's calculated by dividing the number of unemployed people by the total labor force, then multiplying by 100. The labor force includes employed and unemployed individuals.
Indicator Last Value Prior Value Period
Annual Unemployment Rate 9.19% 9.04% 2024
Female Labor Force Rate 13.45% 13.59% 2024