Chile's Unemployment Holds at 8.3% in February

2026-03-30 12:46 By Isabela Couto 1 min. read

Chile's unemployment rate stood at 8.3% for the December 2025–February 2026 quarter, unchanged from the prior quarter.

Women's unemployment was 9.0% while men's was 7.8%.

In the Metropolitan Region, unemployment reached 8.8%.

The jobless rate declined 0.1 percentage points year-over-year, driven by a 1.0% rise in the labor force slightly below the 1.0% growth in employed persons.

The number of unemployed rose 0.3%, led entirely by first-time job seekers up 11.9%, as job losses fell 1.1%.

Over 12 months, total employed persons rose 1.0%, driven entirely by women up 2.4%, while men showed no change.

By sector, growth was led by healthcare activities up 8.9% and professional activities and accommodation and food services up 9.4%.

Labor force participation and employment rates held steady at 62.3% and 57.1%, respectively, compared to the same period a year earlier.



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Chile's Unemployment Holds at 8.3% in February
Chile's unemployment rate stood at 8.3% for the December 2025–February 2026 quarter, unchanged from the prior quarter. Women's unemployment was 9.0% while men's was 7.8%. In the Metropolitan Region, unemployment reached 8.8%. The jobless rate declined 0.1 percentage points year-over-year, driven by a 1.0% rise in the labor force slightly below the 1.0% growth in employed persons. The number of unemployed rose 0.3%, led entirely by first-time job seekers up 11.9%, as job losses fell 1.1%. Over 12 months, total employed persons rose 1.0%, driven entirely by women up 2.4%, while men showed no change. By sector, growth was led by healthcare activities up 8.9% and professional activities and accommodation and food services up 9.4%. Labor force participation and employment rates held steady at 62.3% and 57.1%, respectively, compared to the same period a year earlier.
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