Total employment in Cyprus reached 506,318 people in the second quarter of 2025, showing an increase compared to the corresponding quarter of 2015, when the number of workers stood at 360,809, according to Statistical Service data.
From the 2025 total, men numbered 269,796 and women 236,522.
Employees increase whilst self-employed decline
The largest part of the workforce comprises employees, who reached 455,728, up from 306,275 in 2015. Conversely, self-employed workers recorded a decrease, falling to 50,590 people from 54,534 ten years earlier.
Professional categories show varied growth
Notable increases occurred among managers and administrative officials, who rose from 13,449 in 2015 to 22,989 in 2025. The largest category remains “qualified and other specialists,” who increased from 66,672 to 121,074 people.
Significant growth also appears among technicians and specialist office assistants, reaching 75,731 from 47,048.
In contrast, farmers, livestock breeders and fishermen remain almost stable, with a slight decrease to 8,869 people in 2025 from 8,920 in 2015.
Gender patterns across professions
Women dominate professions such as clerks, typists and cashiers, numbering 34,707 compared to 13,528 men, as well as among unskilled workers with 43,467 women versus 22,274 men.
Men continue to predominate in sectors such as production craftsmen, with 48,269 compared to 2,133 women, and machine operators at 22,062 versus 2,005 women.
Military employment increases
Among military personnel, employment increased to 6,089 people from 4,507, with men numbering 5,119 and women 970.