Summary Table: Labour Force

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Summary Table: Labour Force

The labour force, also known as the economically active population, refers to the manpower currently available in the economy. It comprises people who are working or seeking work (i.e. the employed and the unemployed).

The labour force participation rate measures the proportion of working-age population that engages actively in the labour market, either by working or looking for work.

As part of MRSD’s continued commitment to deliver accurate and relevant statistics on the labour market, our data collection processes have undergone an assessment by Ernst and Young Advisory Pte Ltd.

Mid-Year	2013	2014	2015	2016	2017	2018	2019	2020	2021	2022	2023
Resident Labour Force ('000)	2,138.8	2,185.2	2,232.3	2,257.6	2,269.7	2,292.7	2,328.5	2,345.5	2,397.8	2,438.0	2,436.2

Educational Composition (%)	100.0	100.0	100.0	100.0	100.0	100.0	100.0	100.0	100.0	100.0	100.0
Below Secondary	19.8	19.2	18.2	18.2	17.6	15.9	15.1	14.3	13.0	12.7	12.2
Secondary	18.7	17.9	18.2	17.1	16.5	16.4	16.0	15.4	14.3	14.0	13.6
Post-Secondary (Non-Tertiary)	11.6	11.5	12.0	11.5	11.3	11.5	11.2	11.5	11.2	11.4	11.4
Diploma & Professional Qualification	18.4	19.5	19.3	19.4	18.9	19.5	20.1	19.8	20.2	20.3	20.4
Degree	31.5	32.0	32.2	33.7	35.7	36.7	37.5	39.1	41.3	41.6	42.4

Median Age (Years)	42.0	43.0	43.0	43.0	43.0	43.0	44.0	44.0	43.0	44.0	44.0

Labour Force Participation Rate (%)	66.7	67.0	68.3	68.0	67.7	67.7	68.0	68.1	70.5	70.0	68.6
Mid Year	2013	2014	2015	2016	2017	2018	2019	2020	2021	2022	2023

Source: Comprehensive Labour Force Survey, Manpower Research & Statistics Department, MOM
Latest figures published in: Labour Force in Singapore

Notes:

Data are for mid-year.
Labour force participation rate is defined as the percentage of the labour force to the population aged fifteen years & over.
Residents refer to Singapore Citizens and Permanent Residents.

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​​​​​Summary Table: Labour Force

Summary Table: Labour Force