HAMILTON, Bermuda, Oct 16, CMC – The Bermuda government says the country has recorded four consecutive years of employment growth this year, with total filled jobs reaching 33,820 last year.
Economy and Labour Minister Jason Hayward told a news conference that the 2026 Bermuda Job Market Employment Briefs highlight growth across several key industries, increased earnings for Bermudian workers, and emerging employment opportunities, while identifying ongoing workforce challenges associated with Bermuda’s ageing population.
He said the latest Employment Survey confirms that Bermuda’s labour market continued to expand in 2025, with total filled jobs increasing to 33,820, representing an increase of 369 total jobs filled.
“This represents four consecutive years of employment growth, with more than 2,500 additional filled jobs since 2021,” Hayward said, noting that over the past four years, there have been sustained employment growth, an expanding business base and increasing earnings for workers.
He said that these results are encouraging and consistent with the broader efforts to strengthen Bermuda’s economic foundations, support business development, attract investment and create employment opportunities across our economy
The survey showed that construction and quarrying recorded an increase of 106 jobs, or 4.9 per cent, transportation and storage increased by 97 jobs, or 7.3 per cent, human health and social work gained 85 jobs representing growth of 3.2 per cent.
Hayward said the accommodation and food service activities increased by 63 jobs; public administration recorded an increase of 116 jobs and Bermuda’s international business sector also continued to expand, reaching 5,070 jobs in 2025.
Hayward said that while the overall employment figures are encouraging, the survey also identifies areas requiring continued attention. He said that the number of jobs held by Bermudians declined marginally by 65 positions, or 0.3 per cent between 2024 and 2025.
“The decline in Bermudian jobs can be attributed to the reality that Bermuda is experiencing a significant demographic transition. As our population ages, an increasing number of experienced Bermudian workers are reaching retirement age and leaving the workforce. It is estimated that approximately 1200 workers reached the age of retirement in 2025.”
Hayward said that the ageing of Bermuda’s workforce is not evidence that the economy is failing to create opportunities.
“Rather, it is a structural demographic challenge that affects the availability of labour and the rate at which net Bermudian employment can expand. This means Bermudians entering the workforce are simply replacing Bermudian workers who retire or otherwise exit employment leading to negative net employment figures.”
Hayward said that one of the most notable findings of the survey is the continued increase in employment among older workers. In 2025, the number of filled jobs held by persons aged 65 and over increased by 172, or 5.7 per cent, reaching 3,176.
He said the survey reveals that the median age of Bermudian jobholders is 49, compared with 43 for Other Non-Bermudians.
“The survey also recorded continued growth in Bermudian employment earnings. The median gross annual income for Bermudian jobholders increased by 2.4 per cent, from US$68,256 in 2024 to US$69,915 in 2025, representing an increase of US$1,659. The overall median gross annual income increased by 2.4 per cent to US$72,858.
“It is also important to note that, with the progress made, the number of filled jobs is now only 558 fewer in 2025 compared with the pre-pandemic level of 2019,” Hayward said.
He told reporters that the annual survey is an essential tool for assessing employment trends and informing labour policies as well as giving the government a clear understanding of the employment landscape on the island.
“While these figures demonstrate overall positive advancement in many areas, the government is more than aware of the need to continue its unwavering focus on the creation of sustainable employment opportunities, especially for Bermudians. Our responsibility is to prepare Bermudians for the jobs of today and the new opportunities that will emerge as our economy continues to develop.”
Hayward said that by investing in people, “strengthening workforce planning and supporting continued economic expansion, we can build a labour market that is resilient, inclusive and capable of delivering lasting prosperity for Bermuda”.
CMC/aj/or/2026