The Central Bank of Peru published labour market data showing that nationwide formal employment rose 4.6 percent in March 2026 from a year earlier, adding 290,000 formal jobs and extending growth to two consecutive years. The increase was stronger in the private sector, where formal employment rose 5.7 percent. Private job growth was led by services, agriculture and trade, which added 108,000, 83,000 and 38,000 jobs respectively. The total real wage bill increased 9.0 percent from March 2025, reflecting both higher remuneration and more formal jobs, while the private sector formal wage bill rose 10.3 percent in real terms, mainly driven by mining and electricity, extending that series to 24 consecutive months of improvement.
Central Bank of Peru2026-05-23
Central Bank of Peru reports 4.6 percent rise in formal employment and 9.0 percent real wage bill growth in March
The Central Bank of Peru reported that nationwide formal employment rose 4.6 percent year-on-year in March 2026, adding 290,000 jobs, with private sector formal employment up 5.7 percent. Private job gains were concentrated in services, agriculture and trade, while the total real wage bill increased 9.0 percent and the private sector formal wage bill rose 10.3 percent, mainly driven by mining and electricity.