San Salvador, El Salvador – The economically active population (PEA) of El Salvador has seen a substantial increase over the past 17 years, according to recent data released by the Central Reserve Bank (BCR). The PEA, defined as the portion of the population of working age that is either employed or actively seeking employment, now represents 52.5% of the population, up from 45.4% in 2007.

"This growth in the PEA reflects the changing dynamics of El Salvador's labor market," stated Douglas Rodríguez, president of the BCR, during the presentation of the 2024 Population and Housing Census results.

The data reveals that men make up the majority of the PEA, accounting for 66.4%, while women represent 40.4%. Notably, the age group of 35 to 39 years old has shown the most significant growth in labor force participation, rising from 62.2% in 2007 to 73.9% in 2024.

"This indicates a growing engagement of this age group in the workforce," Rodríguez explained. "We've also observed a decrease in labor force participation among younger and older age groups compared to the 2007 census."

At the departmental level, San Salvador boasts the highest concentration of PEA, with 59% of its residents participating in the workforce. La Unión, on the other hand, has the lowest percentage at 44.2%.

The census also highlighted a significant increase in the employment rate, with 95.5% of the PEA currently employed, compared to 88.6% in 2007. This indicates a robust labor market with ample job opportunities.

"Women have made remarkable strides in contributing to the country's economic growth," Rodríguez emphasized. "Their participation in the workforce has increased from 86.7% in 2007 to an impressive 94.9% in 2024."

The data further revealed that the majority of employed individuals in El Salvador work in the private sector, accounting for 45.3% of the workforce. Self-employed individuals make up the second largest group at 29.3%, followed by public sector employees at 11.8%.

The 2024 Population and Housing Census provides valuable insights into the evolving labor market of El Salvador, highlighting the growth of the PEA, the increasing participation of women, and the dominance of the private sector in employment. These findings will serve as a crucial resource for policymakers and researchers in understanding and addressing the needs of the Salvadoran workforce.

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