Global Economy
Morocco Adds 279,000 New Paid Jobs in Q2 2026 – Labor Market Gains Momentum
The second quarter of 2026 saw Morocco’s employed‑population rise to 10.64 million, meaning 279 000 more people found paid work compared with Q1. The increase was driven by 187 000 new jobs in urban areas and 92 000 in rural zones. While employment rates improved across the board, gender gaps remain wide, with women representing only about one‑fifth of the workforce.
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According to the latest figures released by Morocco’s High Commission for Planning (HCP), the number of individuals holding a paid job rose to 10.643 million in Q2 2026 – an increase of 279 000 jobs (+2.7 %) compared with the previous quarter.
Geographic distribution
Urban areas accounted for 187 000 of the new positions, while rural regions added 92 000 jobs. Overall, 61.9 % of employed persons live in urban settings. Women represent 20.3 % of the employed population.
Employment rates
The national employment‑against‑income rate stands at 38.2 %, with urban rates at 36.3 % and rural rates at 41.6 %. Gender disparity is stark: 61.1 % for men versus 15.4 % for women.
Age breakdown
- 35‑44 years: 54.4 %
- 25‑34 years: 48.6 %
- 45 years and over: 37.3 %
- 15‑24 years: 16.6 % (lowest)
Education impact
Those with an advanced diploma enjoy the highest employment rate at 57.8 %, followed by intermediate‑degree holders (38.9 %) and non‑graduates (36.7 %). Holders of a basic diploma have the lowest rate at 34.7 %.
Quarter‑on‑quarter changes
From Q1 to Q2 2026 the national employment rate rose by 0.9 points to 38.2 %. Urban employment increased by 0.8 points, while rural employment grew by 0.9 points. Male employment rose by 1 point; female employment grew by 0.7 points.
Labor force size
The total labor force (employed plus strictly defined unemployed) reached 11.764 million, up by 147 000 people from the previous quarter. Urban residents make up 63.5 % of the labor force, while women account for just 21.5 %.
Labor force participation
Overall participation stands at 42.2 % (41.2 % urban, 44 % rural). The gap between genders is pronounced: 66.5 % for men versus 18.1 % for women. Ages 25‑34 and 35‑44 show the highest participation rates (56.8 % and 57.7 % respectively), whereas youth aged 15‑24 record the lowest at 22.9 %.
Education and participation
Advanced‑degree holders lead participation at 69.4 %, far above intermediate (46.3 %) and basic‑degree holders (39.2 %). Those without any diploma participate at 38.1 %.
Quarterly trends
Labor‑force participation rose by 0.4 points nationally (to 42.2 %). Urban participation grew by 0.2 points, while rural participation increased by 0.7 points. Male participation was virtually flat (+0.1 point), whereas female participation rose by 0.6 points.
The HCP also released provisional retro‑projected indicators for 2017‑2025 to rebuild historical series under the new methodology. Final versions will be published alongside the 2026 annual results.