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Summary Table: Labour Force
Released on:31/1/2024 10:20 AM

​​​​​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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