Kazakhstan Jobless Rate Stable at 4.6% in Q1

The unemployment rate in Kazakhstan remained at 4.5% in the second quarter of 2026, matching the previous quarter’s lowest level since at least records began in the first quarter of 2000. The number of employed people rose by 99.5 thousand year-on-year to 9.40 million, driven mainly by an increase in hired workers. Hired employment accounted for 7.25 million, or 77.2% of total employment, while self-employed workers totaled 2.15 million. The labor force reached 9.84 million, while the employment rate stood at 64.3% of the population aged 15 and over. The largest shares of employment were recorded in trade (16.8%), education (13.3%), industry (12.4%), and agriculture (10.5%). Youth unemployment among those aged 15-34 stood at 2.9%, down from 3% in the previous quarter, while the NEET rate was 5.7%.

The unemployment rate in Kazakhstan edged down to 4.5% in the first quarter of 2026, following a 4.6% growth in the previous five quarters. The number of unemployed individuals decreased by 7.4 thousand year-on-year to 446.1 thousand, while total employment rose by 360.1 thousand to 9.39 million. Hired employment expanded by 149.5 thousand, while self-employment fell by 40.9 thousand. The labor force totaled 9.84 million during the quarter. The employment rate reached 64.1% of the population aged 15 and over, equivalent to 95.5% of the labor force. Youth unemployment (aged 15-34) stood at 3%, slightly down from 3.1% in the previous quarter.

The unemployment rate in Kazakhstan stood at 4.6% in the fourth quarter of 2025, unchanged for the fifth consecutive quarter. The number of unemployed individuals declined by 2.5 thousand year-on-year to 445.7 thousand, while total employment rose by 81.9 thousand to 9.28 million. Hired employment increased by 94.3 thousand, while self-employment fell by 12.4 thousand. The labor force totaled 9.72 million during the quarter. The employment rate reached 64.6% of the population aged 15 and over, equivalent to 95.4% of the labor force. Youth unemployment (aged 15–34) stood at 3.1%, slightly up from 3.0% in the previous quarter. Sectorally, the largest shares of employment were recorded in trade (17%), education (13.2%), industry (12.5%), and agriculture (10.3%).