Mexico Unemployment Rises in February

2026-03-27 12:12 By Isabela Couto 1 min. read

Mexico's unemployment rate rose slightly to 2.6% in February 2026, up from 2.5% a year earlier and matching forecasts.

The unemployed totaled 1.6 million, up 76,000 year-over-year.

Female unemployment reached 693,000 (up 53,000), while male unemployment stood at 907,000 (up 23,000), with rates of 2.8% and 2.5% respectively.

Among the unemployed, 10.3% had not completed secondary education, while 89.6% held higher education.

Most were aged 25 to 44 (47.4%), followed by ages 15 to 24 (34.1%).

Of the unemployed, 41.5% were jobless for one month or less, and 38.4% for more than one month but up to three months.

Underemployment, those seeking more hours or additional jobs, rose to 7.0% from 6.3% a year earlier.

Workers in critical employment conditions, with earnings below minimum wage equivalents, edged up to 39.3% from 38.9%.

Informal employment remained high at 54.8%, compared to 54.5% in February 2025.



News Stream
Mexico Unemployment Rises in February
Mexico's unemployment rate rose slightly to 2.6% in February 2026, up from 2.5% a year earlier and matching forecasts. The unemployed totaled 1.6 million, up 76,000 year-over-year. Female unemployment reached 693,000 (up 53,000), while male unemployment stood at 907,000 (up 23,000), with rates of 2.8% and 2.5% respectively. Among the unemployed, 10.3% had not completed secondary education, while 89.6% held higher education. Most were aged 25 to 44 (47.4%), followed by ages 15 to 24 (34.1%). Of the unemployed, 41.5% were jobless for one month or less, and 38.4% for more than one month but up to three months. Underemployment, those seeking more hours or additional jobs, rose to 7.0% from 6.3% a year earlier. Workers in critical employment conditions, with earnings below minimum wage equivalents, edged up to 39.3% from 38.9%. Informal employment remained high at 54.8%, compared to 54.5% in February 2025.
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