Turkish Jobless Rate Lowest Since 2005

Turkey’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate declined to 7.7% in December 2025, down from a downwardly revised 8.5% in November. It marked the lowest jobless rate since the data began in 2005, as the number of unemployed decreased by 286,000 to a near 12-year low of 2.74 million. Meanwhile, total employment fell by 42,000 to 32.69 million, bringing the employment rate steady at 49.1%. By gender, male employment was unchanged at 66.8%, while female employment declined to 31.7% from 31.9%. Labor force participation declined to 53.2% from 53.7%. On the other hand, youth unemployment (ages 15–24) dropped to 14.1% in December from 15.2%, marking the lowest level since June 2001.

Turkey’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate inched higher to 8.6% in November 2025, up from October’s three-month low of 8.5%. The number of unemployed increased by 54,000 to a 13-month high of 3.10 million. At the same time, total employment rose by 75,000 to a three-month high of 32.74 million, lifting the employment rate to 49.2% from 49.1%. By gender, male employment increased to 66.8% from 66.5%, while female employment declined to 31.9% from 32.4%. Labor force participation edged up to 53.8% from 53.7%, reflecting gradual gains in workforce engagement. However, youth unemployment (ages 15–24) remained unchanged at 15.4% in November, staying at the lowest level in three months.

Turkey’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate edged down to 8.5% in October 2025 from 8.6% in September, marking the lowest jobless rate since July. The number of unemployed fell by 27,000 to a three-month low of 3.03 million. At the same time, total employment grew by 185,000 to 32.77 million, lifting the overall employment rate to 49.2% from 49%. Male employment remained significantly higher at 66.5%, while female employment stood at 32.4%. Labor force participation also rose modestly to 53.8% from 53.6%, reflecting gradual gains in workforce engagement. However, youth unemployment (ages 15–24) increased to 15.6% in October from 15% in September, indicating that younger workers continue to face challenges despite broader improvements in employment.