Page 7 - Iran OUTLOOK 2025

• 2.3 Income
In the past 12 months, the average monthly income in Iran has been estimated at around IRR40mn, which translates to approximately $50 at current exchange rates.
This figure reflects the economic pressures faced by Iranian households amidst ongoing inflation and economic sanctions.
According to data from various sources, this income level is insufficient for the average family to meet basic living expenses, highlighting the financial strain experienced by many residents.
The disparity between the nominal increase in salaries and the rising cost of goods and services has further eroded purchasing power, pushing many into financial hardship.
• 2.4 Unemployment
Iran's unemployment rate dropped to 7.2% in autumn 2024, down 0.4 percentage points from the same period last year, according to new government data that revealed significant shifts in the country's labour market.
The Statistical Centre of Iran reported that the economically active population (those employed or seeking work) among those aged 15 and above stood at 41.2% of the total population, marking a 0.3 percentage point decline from autumn 2023.
The employed population aged 15 and above reached 24.983mn, an increase of 207,000 compared to the same quarter last year. Meanwhile, the economically inactive population, including students, homemakers and pensioners, grew by 673,000 to reach 38.5mn.
The services sector dominated employment, accounting for 52.7% of jobs, followed by industry at 33.5% and agriculture at 13.7%. Youth unemployment remained significantly higher than the national average, with 20.2% of those aged 15-24 unemployed, though this represented a 0.4 percentage point improvement against last year.
For the 18-35 age group, the unemployment rate stood at 14.3%, showing a modest 0.1 percentage point decrease from autumn 2023.
The data also revealed that 7.4% of employed individuals were underemployed, working less than 44 hours weekly due to economic factors such as seasonal fluctuations or inability to find full-time work.
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