[Source: National Data Agency]
Wage jobs increased by over 220,000 in the fourth quarter of last year, continuing a recovery trend. However, challenges remain for youth employment and sectors like manufacturing and construction, highlighting disparities in the job market.
According to the National Data Agency's report on "Wage Job Trends for Q4 2025," the total number of wage jobs reached 21,123,000 as of November last year, an increase of 221,000 compared to the same period the previous year.
The growth in wage jobs saw a significant drop from 153,000 in Q4 2024 to just 15,000 in Q1 2025, marking the lowest level on record. However, there was a gradual recovery with increases of 111,000 in Q2, 139,000 in Q3, and 221,000 in Q4.
Among all jobs, "sustained jobs," where the same workers remained employed, accounted for 15,494,000, or 73.4% of the total. "Replacement jobs," where workers changed due to retirement or job changes, numbered 3,272,000 (15.5%), while "new jobs" created through business formation or expansion totaled 2,356,000 (11.2%). Conversely, 2,135,000 jobs were lost due to business closures or downsizing.
The employment trends varied by age group. Jobs for those under 20 decreased by 111,000, marking a 13-quarter decline since Q4 2022. Jobs for those in their 40s also fell by 37,000. In contrast, the number of jobs for those aged 60 and over increased by 246,000, while jobs for those in their 30s and 50s rose by 99,000 and 24,000, respectively.
The employment struggles among youth were particularly pronounced in manufacturing and construction. For those under 20, significant job losses were seen in manufacturing (-31,000), construction (-17,000), and information and communication (-16,000). Meanwhile, the 60 and older age group saw job gains in health and social welfare (88,000), manufacturing (27,000), and business and rental services (26,000).
Sector-wise, the service industry continued to show growth. The health and social welfare sector recorded the largest increase, adding 126,000 jobs compared to the previous year, driven by gains in social welfare services (81,000) and health services (45,000).
The accommodation and food service sector also grew by 40,000 jobs, supported by increases in restaurant and bar services (37,000) and accommodation services (2,000). The professional, scientific, and technical services sector added 33,000 jobs, primarily in professional services (21,000) and architectural and engineering services (6,000). However, the construction sector continued to struggle, losing 88,000 jobs, while manufacturing saw a decline of 14,000 jobs.
Manufacturing remains the largest sector by job share at 20.4%, followed by health and social welfare (13.1%), retail (10.3%), construction (8.5%), and business and rental services (7.0%).
According to the National Data Agency's report on "Wage Job Trends for Q4 2025," the total number of wage jobs reached 21,123,000 as of November last year, an increase of 221,000 compared to the same period the previous year.
The growth in wage jobs saw a significant drop from 153,000 in Q4 2024 to just 15,000 in Q1 2025, marking the lowest level on record. However, there was a gradual recovery with increases of 111,000 in Q2, 139,000 in Q3, and 221,000 in Q4.
Among all jobs, "sustained jobs," where the same workers remained employed, accounted for 15,494,000, or 73.4% of the total. "Replacement jobs," where workers changed due to retirement or job changes, numbered 3,272,000 (15.5%), while "new jobs" created through business formation or expansion totaled 2,356,000 (11.2%). Conversely, 2,135,000 jobs were lost due to business closures or downsizing.
The employment trends varied by age group. Jobs for those under 20 decreased by 111,000, marking a 13-quarter decline since Q4 2022. Jobs for those in their 40s also fell by 37,000. In contrast, the number of jobs for those aged 60 and over increased by 246,000, while jobs for those in their 30s and 50s rose by 99,000 and 24,000, respectively.
The employment struggles among youth were particularly pronounced in manufacturing and construction. For those under 20, significant job losses were seen in manufacturing (-31,000), construction (-17,000), and information and communication (-16,000). Meanwhile, the 60 and older age group saw job gains in health and social welfare (88,000), manufacturing (27,000), and business and rental services (26,000).
Sector-wise, the service industry continued to show growth. The health and social welfare sector recorded the largest increase, adding 126,000 jobs compared to the previous year, driven by gains in social welfare services (81,000) and health services (45,000).
The accommodation and food service sector also grew by 40,000 jobs, supported by increases in restaurant and bar services (37,000) and accommodation services (2,000). The professional, scientific, and technical services sector added 33,000 jobs, primarily in professional services (21,000) and architectural and engineering services (6,000). However, the construction sector continued to struggle, losing 88,000 jobs, while manufacturing saw a decline of 14,000 jobs.
Manufacturing remains the largest sector by job share at 20.4%, followed by health and social welfare (13.1%), retail (10.3%), construction (8.5%), and business and rental services (7.0%).
* This article has been translated by AI.
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