Kuwait Job Market Statistics 2025
Comprehensive employment data, salary insights, and workforce demographics for Kuwait's labor market. Data sourced from Kuwait PACI (Public Authority for Civil Information) and World Bank.
Workforce Demographics
As of June 2025, Kuwait's total workforce (excluding domestic labor) reached 2.229 million workers, comprising 1.78 million expatriates and 448,900 Kuwaiti citizens. The workforce grew by 15,550 workers in the first half of 2025.
Workforce by Nationality
Note: Asian workers make up approximately 70.6% of all expatriate workers in Kuwait, with the majority coming from India, Bangladesh, Philippines, and Sri Lanka.
Kuwaiti Employment by Sector
The majority of Kuwaiti citizens are employed in the government sector, reflecting the traditional preference for public sector jobs due to higher salaries, job security, and benefits.
Government Sector
Private Sector
Oil Sector
Self-Employed (Chapter 5)
Salary Statistics in Kuwait
Salaries in Kuwait vary significantly based on nationality, sector, and role. The following data reflects 2025 averages from official PACI reports.
Average Kuwaiti Salaries
| Category | Monthly (KWD) | Monthly (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Kuwaiti Average | 1,571 KWD | ~$5,100 |
| Kuwaiti Men | 1,865 KWD | ~$6,060 |
| Kuwaiti Women | 1,356 KWD | ~$4,400 |
| Government Sector | 1,605 KWD | ~$5,210 |
| Private Sector (Kuwaiti) | 1,401 KWD | ~$4,550 |
General Salary Ranges by Industry
| Industry | Entry Level | Mid-Level | Senior Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oil & Gas | 800-1,200 KWD | 1,500-2,500 KWD | 3,000-6,000+ KWD |
| Banking & Finance | 600-900 KWD | 1,200-2,000 KWD | 2,500-5,000+ KWD |
| Information Technology | 500-800 KWD | 1,000-1,800 KWD | 2,000-4,000+ KWD |
| Healthcare | 500-900 KWD | 1,200-2,200 KWD | 2,500-5,000+ KWD |
| Construction | 300-500 KWD | 700-1,200 KWD | 1,500-3,000+ KWD |
| Hospitality & Retail | 250-400 KWD | 500-900 KWD | 1,000-2,000+ KWD |
Kuwaitization Requirements
Kuwaitization is Kuwait's nationalization policy requiring companies to employ a certain percentage of Kuwaiti citizens. Quotas vary by sector and are enforced by the Manpower and Government Restructuring Program (MGRP).
Sector-Specific Quotas
Implications for Employers
- •Companies must register with MGRP and submit quarterly workforce reports
- •Non-compliance can result in restrictions on work permit renewals
- •Government incentives available for companies exceeding quotas
- •Training programs available to help companies develop Kuwaiti talent
Top Hiring Industries in Kuwait
High-Growth Sectors
- 1Oil & Gas / Energy
- 2Banking & Financial Services
- 3Construction & Infrastructure
- 4Information Technology
- 5Healthcare
In-Demand Skills (2025)
- AI & Machine Learning
- Cloud Computing (AWS, Azure)
- Data Science & Analytics
- Cybersecurity
- Project Management (PMP)
Data Sources
- • Kuwait Public Authority for Civil Information (PACI) - June 2025 Reports
- • World Bank Development Indicators - Labor Force Data 2024
- • Times Kuwait - Labor Market Analysis October 2025
- • Kuwait Central Statistical Bureau
- • International Labour Organization (ILO) Kuwait Profile
Last updated: January 2025. Data is subject to change based on official government releases.