Unemployment Rate: Iran

Analysis# Iran Unemployment Rate Iran's unemployment rate stands at 9.2% in 2026, reflecting a dramatic 35.2% improvement since 1990. The country has recovered substantially from its all-time peak of 16.6% in 2001, though current levels remain above the recent low of 7.6% recorded in 2024. This recovery demonstrates gradual labor market stabilization over three decades, despite persistent economic challenges. A sharp decline from 2017 to 2024 marks the most significant recent improvement, with unemployment falling from 12.1% to 7.6% over seven years. This momentum reversed in 2025, when the rate climbed back to 9.2%, where it is projected to remain through 2026. The uptick suggests emerging headwinds in Iran's labor market, warranting continued monitoring of economic conditions and employment trends.