Labour Market Information: Romania

National level - Romania

^{* The years referenced in this report vary, as the data is based on the most up-to-date information available for each indicator, as of December 2024.}

Labour market

As of 1 January 2024, about 19.1 million people lived in Romania. The gross domestic product per inhabitant was EUR 14 900 in 2022, 57.9% lower than the average of EUR 35 400 per inhabitant in the EU27. Between 2018 and 2022, the GDP per capita increased by 41%.

^{Note: nama_10r_2gdp, Statistics | Eurostat (europa.eu)}

In 2023, more than 8.2 million people were active on the labour market in Romania. The employment rate was 63%, 7.4 percentage points lower than the EU27 average and 1.8 percentage points lower compared to 2018. In 2023, for women, the employment rate was 54.3%, for men, the employment rate was 71.7%, and for youth, the employment rate was 18.7%, all below the EU average.

^{Note: lfst_r_lfe2emprt, data refer to working age population (15-64), youth age group (15-24)  Statistics | Eurostat (europa.eu)}

In 2023, the unemployment rate was equal to the level registered in 2022. In 2023, the unemployment rate returned to the level before the pandemic, when it equalled 4.3% in 2018, and 4% in 2019. The unemployment rate is consistently below the EU27 average. In 2023, it was 0.5 percentage points lower in Romania than in the EU27, nearly matching the EU27 average.

In 2023, 99.7% of the active workforce were from Romania, 0.2% from third countries. In the EU27, as of 2023, the highest proportion of the workforce comes from the respective country (85% on average), while on average a smaller portion is from foreign countries (4.3% from other EU Member States, and 10.5% from third countries).

In 2022, most employees worked in manufacturing (24.2%), followed by wholesale and retail trade; repair of motor vehicles and motorcycles (21.5%), construction (10.7%) and transportation and storage (9.2%). In terms of number of enterprises, most can be found in wholesale and retail trade; repair of motor vehicles and motorcycles (29.1%), professional, scientific and technical activities (12.1%), and construction (10.7%).

In Romania, the highest proportion of employees (32.8%) worked in large companies with more than 250 employees. These companies accounted for only 0.2% of all enterprises in the country, with just 1 680 of such businesses. 31.7% of persons employed worked in micro companies with up to 9 employees, 16.5% of persons employed worked in medium companies with 50 to 249 employees, 11.1% of persons employed worked in small companies with 20 to 49 employees and 7.9% of persons employed worked in small companies with 10 to 19 employees.

Vacancies

In 2024, in Romania, the occupational groups with the highest occurrence of shortage occupations were: Building and Related Trades Workers (excluding Electricians), Stationary Plant and Machine Operators and Business and Administration Associate Professionals. On the other hand, the occupational groups with the highest occurrence of surplus occupations were Science and Engineering Associate Professionals, Legal, Social and Cultural Professionals and Science and Engineering Professionals.

Read more about labour shortages and surpluses in Europe: Labour shortages and surpluses in Europe 2023 | European Labour Authority (europa.eu)

Job vacancy rate

Regarding the job vacancy rate (defined as the number of job vacancies expressed as a percentage of the total sum of occupied posts and job vacancies), in 2023 this was 0.8 % in the industry, construction and services, 2 percentage points lower than the EU27 on average. This rate has increased by 0.1 percentage points compared to 2022 and it is still above the situation before 2020, when it stood only at 1.1%.

^{Note: jvs_a_rate_r2 Statistics | Eurostat}

The sectors with the highest vacancy rates were human health and social work activities; education; arts, entertainment and recreation; public administration and defence; compulsory social security; administrative and support services.

^{Note: lfsa_ehomp, Product - Datasets - Eurostat}

Widely used job portals

Wages

Minimum wage

As of 1 January 2024, the statutory minimum wage in Romania was set at 663.24 EUR.

Monthly average gross and net earnings

In 2023, the gross average earnings of a single person stood at EUR 1467, while the EU27 average was EUR 3417. The equivalent net wage was EUR 925 in Romania, compared to EUR 2351 in the EU27. Compared to 2018, gross average earnings increased by 66.5% in Romania and by 19.8% in the EU27. During the same period, the net wages have increased by 66.4% in Romania and by 22.1% in the EU27.

^{Note: earn_nt_net, Single person earning 100% average, annual rates transformed into 12 monthly payments. Statistics | Eurostat (europa.eu)}

Trends

Go directly to Ageing workforce | Issues related to remuneration | Outmigration | Remote work | Unemployment

Ageing workforce

The population ageing has increased between 2012 – 2022. According to the National Institute of Statistics press release regarding the resident population on 1st January 2024, the demographic ageing became more pronounced, rising to 123.8 elderly persons per 100 young persons under 15. Therefore, based on the estimates of the European Center for the Development of Vocational Training, in the next ten years, Romania could have a triple number of active people aged over 65 on the labour market. (Source: Center for Economy & Society Bucharest, https://cesbucharest.com/insights/). To maintain aged workforce on the labour market, the Public Employment Service stimulates the employers to fill job vacancies, including by hiring unemployed persons who, within 5 years from employment’s date, fulfil the retirement conditions. PES is granting subsidies for employers and bonuses for registered unemployed obtaining a work contract; the jobseekers must be registered as unemployed to the County Agencies for Employment (www.anofm.ro).

Issues related to remuneration (e.g. minimum wage, living wage, subsidies)

To increase the attractiveness of the labour market and to maintain an adequate work force, the Romanian Government raises annually the minimum monthly gross salary on economy. In 2024, the minimum wage on economy is 3 700 lei, representing the base to which the employers may add various financial incentives to increase the interest for the jobs (ex. meal vouchers, transportation costs, health insurances, other benefits). For 2025, it is estimated to increase the minimum monthly gross salary, from 3 700 lei to 4 050 lei. According to the National Institute of Statistics data, the minimum net average salary, in August 2024, was reported for economic activities such as manufacture of wearing apparel (4 863 lei) and accommodation and food service (5 300 lei), while the maximum wage was paid for jobs in the manufacture of coke and refined petroleum products (16 822 lei) and computer programming, consultancy and related activities; information service activities (18 064 lei).

Outmigration

As stated by the Annual report on intra-EU labour Mobility 2023, the EU-Labour Force Survey shows that in 2022, the Romanian mobile workers continue to be the largest group, accounting for 25% (2.1 million) within EU movers. At the same time, from an estimated 656 000 movers who returned to their countries of origin, the largest returning destination is Romania with 119 000 movers. The data of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs show that most of the 5.7 million Romanians who went abroad are settled in countries such as Italy, Spain, Great Britain, Germany, USA and Canada and work mainly in fields such as agriculture, sales, construction, medical system or IT. (Source: Center for Economy & Society Bucharest, https://cesbucharest.com/insights/) According to Labour Inspection, in the 1st semester 2024, 13 800 Romanian workers were placed abroad out of which 31% in Germany, 19% in Austria, 13% in Netherlands, other EU and non-EU countries.

Remote work

Unemployment (e.g. long-term, youth, female, structural or low-skilled)

In 2024 the registered unemployment rate was constant, fluctuating between 3% in January and 3.14% in September. According to ANOFM database, in September 2024, from 250 thousand registered unemployed, 132 thousand are men and 118 thousand women; 61.7% from total unemployed are heavy and very heavy employable, with low / without any qualifications. The unemployment rate among young people (15-24 years old) is still high (23.2%), registered between April and June 2024. (Source: National Institute of Statistics, https://insse.ro/cms/) To mitigate the unemployment rate among young people the National Agency for Employment (ANOFM) offers to employers subsidies for each unemployed hired from vulnerable categories, including NEETs. According to the National Institute for Scientific Research in the Field of Work and Social Protection, by 2030, Romania will need over 600 000 people to occupy highly qualified jobs such as IT, legal or health specialists (Source: Center for Economy & Society Bucharest, https://cesbucharest.com/insights/).

North-West (Nord-Vest)

With 2 531 913 inhabitants, North-West represented about 13.3% of the population in Romania in 2023.

The gross domestic product per capita, adjusted for price levels (PPS) in North-West was 39% of the EU27 average, below the national average of 42.1%.

The North-West Region is composed by the counties: Bihor, Bistriţa Năsăud, Cluj, Maramureş, Satu Mare and Sălaj.

The shares of the employment on economic sectors are services (42.5%), industry (26.8%), agriculture, forestry and fishing (12.1%), construction (9.1%), transportation (6.7%), hotels and restaurants (2.8%).

Many industrial branches and an important number of foreign companies are represented locally, some of them located in industrial parks: Tetarom Cluj, Satu-Mare, Bistriţa, Turda. The region has the second highest concentration of ICT companies in Romania, with Cluj ranking second, after Bucharest, in delivering ICT services. The telework is common, particularly in administrative, IT, and financial sectors.

The region has a strong network of universities that supply high skilled workers, mostly based in Cluj-Napoca and Oradea, the Babeș-Bolyai University being the top-ranked Romanian university at international level. Employers recruit locally and from abroad in ICT and tourism.

In 2023, more than 1 114 000 people were active in the labour market in North-West. 19.4% had tertiary education, 64.2% had secondary education, and 16.4% had primary education. The employment rate in North-West was 51.5 % in 2023, 2.9 percentage point higher than the national average in Romania and in line with 2022 figures.

The employment rate for women in 2023 was 43.1%, men had an employment rate of 60.5%, and for the youth the employment rate was 17.4%. The employment rates for women and men were above the national average, while the employment rate for the youth was below the national average.

^{Note: lfst_r_lfe2emprt, Statistics | Eurostat (europa.eu), tgs00010,} 

The unemployment rate in North-West was 3% in 2023, 2.6 points lower than the national average in the same year and in line with the previous year.

^{Note: lfst_r_lfe2emprt, Statistics | Eurostat (europa.eu), tgs00010,} 

Vacancies

Main vacancies on occupations in the region: 

• Manufacturing Labourers 
• Building Construction Labourers 
• Heavy Truck and Lorry Drivers 
• Shop Sales Assistants 
• Messengers, Package Deliverers 
• Freight Handlers 
• Building Caretakers 
• Fast Food Preparers

Shortages

Main labour shortages on occupations: 

• Building Construction Labourers 
• Heavy Truck and Lorry Drivers 
• Messengers, Package Deliverers 
• Building Caretakers 
• Fast Food Preparers 
• Security Guards 
• Mechanical Machinery Assemblers 
• Building and Related Electricians

Surpluses

Main labour surpluses on occupations: 

• Freight Handlers 
• Mixed Crop and Livestock Farm Labourers 
• Home-based Personal Care Workers 
• Information and communications technology operations technicians 
• Information and communications technology installers and services 
• Life Science Technicians (excluding Medical) 
• Agricultural and Industrial Machinery Mechanics and Repairers 
• Farming, forestry and fisheries advisers

Center (Centru)

With 2 280 856 inhabitants, Center represented about 12% of the population in Romania in 2023.

The gross domestic product per capita, adjusted for price levels (PPS) in Center was 39.8% of the EU27 average, below the national average of 42.1%.

The Centre Region comprises the counties: Alba, Braşov, Covasna, Harghita, Mureş, Sibiu.

The shares of the employment on economic sectors are services (42.4%), industry (29.8 %), agriculture, forestry and fishing (9.3%), construction (8.4%), transportation (6.5%), hotels and restaurants (3.6%).

The region continues to register negative demographic trends, leading to a significant reduction in the working-age population. The industrial specificity is more pronounced in Brasov and Sibiu counties. The industrial profile of the region is given by the automotive, aeronautics, pharmaceuticals, metalworking, manufacture of wood and light industry, IT sector. Regarding the services registering growth, these are telecommunications, transportation (especially road and air - in 2023, it was inaugurated Brasov international airport), the financial-banking sectors, tourism.

Employment in tourism is common all the year, especially in Brasov and Sibiu counties. Employers recruit both locally and from abroad; working language is mainly Romanian while in tourism is accepted English language.

In 2023, more than 917 900 people were active in the labour market in Center. 22.2% had tertiary education, 65.5% had secondary education, and 12.3% had primary education. The employment rate in Center was 46.6 % in 2023, 2 percentage points lower than the national average in Romania and 1.2 percentage points lower compared to 2022.

The employment rate for women in 2023 was 38.7%, men had an employment rate of 55.1%, and for the youth the employment rate was 14.9%, all below the national average.

^{Note: lfst_r_lfe2emprt, Statistics | Eurostat (europa.eu), tgs00010,} 

The unemployment rate in Center was 4.6% in 2023, in line with the national average in the same year and in line with the previous year.

^{Note: lfst_r_lfe2emprt, Statistics | Eurostat (europa.eu), tgs00010,} 

Vacancies

Main vacancies on occupations in the region: 

• Building Construction Labourers 
• Manufacturing labourers 
• Shop Sales Assistants 
• Cleaners and Helpers in Offices, Hotels and Other Establishments 
• Cabinet-makers and Related Workers 
• Waiters 
• Mechanical machinery assemblers 
• Freight handlers 
• Concrete Placers, Concrete Finishers and Related Workers 
• Plumbers and Pipe Fitters 
• Bricklayers and Related Workers 
• Business Services Agents 
• Heavy truck and lorry drivers 
• Shop salespeople 
• Car and van drivers Source: ANOFM (PES) database

Shortages

Main labour shortages on occupations: 

• Building Construction Labourers 
• Shop Sales Assistants 
• Cleaners and Helpers in Offices, Hotels and Other Establishments 
• Cabinet-makers and Related Workers 
• Waiters 
• Mechanical machinery assemblers 
• Plumbers and Pipe Fitters 
• Concrete Placers, Concrete Finishers and Related Workers 
• Bricklayers and Related Workers 
• Heavy truck and lorry drivers 
• Business Services Agents 
• Shop salespeople 
• Metal Working Machine Tool Setters and Operators 
• Car and van drivers 
• Security guards

Source: ANOFM (PES) database

Surpluses

Main labour surpluses on occupations: 

• Manufacturing labourers 
• Freight handlers 
• Mixed Crop and Livestock Farm Labourers 
• Hand Packers 
• Unskilled workers in public works 
• Life Science Technicians (excluding Medical) 
• Translators, interpreters and other linguists 
• Agriculture and Industrial machinery Mechanics and Fitters 
• Hairdressers 
• Home based personal care workers 
• Farming, Forestry and Fisheries Advisers 
• Handicraft workers in textile, leather and related materials 
• Shoemakers and Related Workers 
• Travel consultants and clerks 
• House builders

Source: ANOFM (PES) database

North-East (Nord-Est)

With 3 224 213 inhabitants, North-East represented about 16.9% of the population in Romania in 2023.

The gross domestic product per capita, adjusted for price levels (PPS) in North-East was 25.7% of the EU27 average, well below the national average of 42.1%.

The North-East Region is the largest region of Romania considering the number of inhabitants and surface, being composed by the counties: Bacău, Botoşani, Iaşi, Neamţ, Suceava, Vaslui. The shares of the employment on economic sectors are services (44.1%), industry (20.1%), agriculture, forestry and fishing (17.5%), construction (10%), transportation (5.6%), hotels and restaurants (2.7%). Due to the university centers in the region, such as the “Alexandru Ioan Cuza” University and the “Gheorghe Asachi” Technical University, the workforce has a high degree of education, especially in technology and business sectors. The region is hosting some of the largest IT companies, especially in Iasi. The telework is common, particularly in administrative, IT, and financial sectors. Other significant industries are woodworking, textiles, footwear and leather finishing, machinery and electrical appliances, chemical industry.

In 2023, more than 1 358 300 people were active in the labour market in North-East. 15.8% had tertiary education, 63.4% had secondary education, and 20.8% had primary education. The employment rate in North-East was 49 % in 2023, 0.4 percentage points higher than the national average in Romania and 0.7 percentage points higher compared to 2022.

The employment rate for women in 2023 was 38.8%, men had an employment rate of 59.6%, and for the youth the employment rate was 21%. The employment rate for women was below the national average, while the employment rates for men and the youth were above the national average.

^{Note: lfst_r_lfe2emprt, Statistics | Eurostat (europa.eu), tgs00010,} 

The unemployment rate in North-East was 5.9% in 2023, 0.3 points higher than the national average in the same year and a decrease from 6.6% in the previous year.

^{Note: lfst_r_lfe2emprt, Statistics | Eurostat (europa.eu), tgs00010,} 

Vacancies

Main vacancies, on occupations, in the region: -Building Construction Labourers -Manufacturing Labourers -Heavy Truck and Lorry Drivers -Shop Sales Assistants -Sewing Machine -Operators -Cleaners and Helpers in Offices, Hotels and other Establishments.

Labour shortages and surpluses

Main labour shortages, on occupations: -Heavy truck and lorry drivers -Sewing Machine Operators -Shop Sales Assistants -Cleaners and Helpers in Offices, Hotels and other Establishments -Security Guards -Plasterers Main labour surpluses, on occupations: -Mixed Crop and Livestock Farm Labourers -Field crop and vegetable growers -Manufacturing Labourers -Forestry Labourers -Home-based Personal Care Workers -Agricultural and Industrial Machinery Mechanics and Repairers

South-East (Sud-Est)

With 2 353 162 inhabitants, South-East represented about 12.3% of the population in Romania in 2023.

The gross domestic product per capita, adjusted for price levels (PPS) in South-East was 33.6% of the EU27 average, below the national average of 42.1%.

The South-East region, the country’s second largest region, is made up of the counties: Brăila, Buzău, Constanţa, Galaţi, Tulcea and Vrancea.

The shares of the employment on economic sectors are services (42.2%), industry (21.3%), agriculture, forestry and fishing (14.4%), construction (11.1%), transportation (7.6%), hotels and restaurants (3.4%). Seasonal employment is common in tourism, especially in summer.

The region has a diversified industry: petrochemicals, metallurgy, machine-building, construction materials, food industry. Also, there are important industrial plants: steel and petrochemical, paper factories, bakery factories, the petrochemical in Năvodari, the nuclear power plant in Cernavodă, as well as shipyards in Brăila, Galați, Tulcea, Mangalia and Constanța. Other important sectors are maritime and inland waterway transportation, port operations, agriculture and viticulture; they are competitive, with a continuing need for skilled and unskilled workers. Employers recruit both locally and from abroad; working language is mainly Romanian while in tourism is accepted English language.

In 2023, more than 931 300 people were active in the labour market in South-East. 16.6% had tertiary education, 62.2% had secondary education, and 21.2% had primary education. The employment rate in South-East was 43.1 % in 2023, 5.5 percentage points lower than the national average in Romania and 1.2 percentage points lower compared to 2022.

The employment rate for women in 2023 was 33.1%, men had an employment rate of 54%, and for the youth the employment rate was 20.9%. The employment rates for women and men were below the national average, while the employment rate for the youth was above the national average.

^{Note: lfst_r_lfe2emprt, Statistics | Eurostat (europa.eu), tgs00010,} 

The unemployment rate in South-East was 9.1% in 2023, 3.5 points higher than the national average in the same year and an increase from 7.3% in the previous year.

^{Note: lfst_r_lfe2emprt, Statistics | Eurostat (europa.eu), tgs00010,} 

Vacancies

Main vacancies on occupations in the region: 

• Building construction labourers 
• Manufacturing labourers 
• Security guards 
• Shop sales assistants 
• Structural metal preparers and erectors 
• Freight handlers 
• Fast food preparers 
• Welders and flame cutters 
• Waiters 
• Messengers, package deliverers and luggage porters 
• Civil engineering labourers 
• Shopkeepers
• Insulation workers 
• Car, taxi and van drivers 
• Mixed crop and livestock farm labourers 

Source: ANOFM (PES) database

Shortages

Main labour shortages on occupations: 

• Door-to-door Salespersons 
• Building construction labourers 
• Garbage and recycling collectors 
• Insulation workers 
• Messengers, package deliverers 
• Painters and related workers
• Waiters 
• Carpenters and joiners 
• Security guards 
• Welders and flame cutters 
• Structural metal preparers and erectors 
• Concrete placers, concrete finishers and related workers 
• Car, taxi and van drivers 
• Shop sales assistants 
• Heavy truck and lorry drivers 

Source: ANOFM (PES) database

Surpluses

Main labour surpluses on occupations: 

• Mixed crop and livestock labourers 
• Translators, interpreters and other linguists 
• Secondary education teachers 
• Physical and engineering science technicians 
• Lawyers 
• Personal services workers 
• Life science technicians (excluding Medical) 
• Sociologists, Anthropologists and related professionals 
• Travel consultants and clerks 
• Cleaning and housekeeping supervisors in offices, hotels and other establishments 
• Handicraft workers in textile, leather and related materials 
• Sports coaches, instructors and officials 
• Chemical products plant and machine operators 
• Psychologists
• Telecommunications Engineering Technicians 

Source: ANOFM (PES) database

South-Muntenia (Sud-Muntenia)

With 2 841 139 inhabitants, South-Muntenia represented about 14.9% of the population in Romania in 2023.

The gross domestic product per capita, adjusted for price levels (PPS) in South-Muntenia was 31.9% of the EU27 average, well below the national average of 42.1%.

The Sud-Muntenia Region is composed by the counties: Argeş, Călăraşi, Dâmboviţa, Giurgiu, Ialomiţa, Prahova, Teleorman.

The shares of the employment on economic sectors are services (54.8%), industry (26.6%), agriculture, forestry and fishing (16.2%), construction (8.9%), transportation (7.4%), hotels and restaurants (2.3%).

A characteristic of the region is that the counties have two extremely different profiles: the northern counties - Argeș, Dâmbovița and Prahova - give an impressive industrial-regional base, while the other counties in the south - Călărași, Giurgiu, Ialomița and Teleorman have tradition in agricultural and agri-food production.

In 2023, more than 1 209 800 people were active in the labour market in South-Muntenia. 14.9% had tertiary education, 68.7% had secondary education, and 16.4% had primary education. The employment rate in South-Muntenia was 46.7 % in 2023, 1.9 percentage point lower than the national average in Romania and in line with 2022 figures.

The employment rate for women in 2023 was 34.9%, men had an employment rate of 59.5%, and for the youth the employment rate was 20.7%. The employment rate for women was below the national average, while the employment rates for men and the youth were above the national average.

^{Note: lfst_r_lfe2emprt, Statistics | Eurostat (europa.eu), tgs00010,} 

The unemployment rate in South-Muntenia was 7.8% in 2023, 2.2 points higher than the national average in the same year and in line with the previous year.

^{Note: lfst_r_lfe2emprt, Statistics | Eurostat (europa.eu), tgs00010,} 

Vacancies

Main vacancies on occupations in the region: 

• Building construction labourers 
• Manufacturing labourers 
• Freight handlers 
• Security guards

Shortages

Main labour shortages on occupations: 

• Freight handlers 
• Heavy Truck and Lorry Drivers 
• Security guards 
• Building Caretakers

Surpluses

Main labour surpluses on occupations: 

• Manufacturing labourers 
• Mixed crop and livestock farm labourers 
• Civil engineering labourers 
• Home-based personal care workers

Bucharest (Bucureşti-Ilfov)

With 2 290 125 inhabitants, Bucharest represented about 12% of the population in Romania in 2023.

The gross domestic product per capita, adjusted for price levels (PPS) in Bucharest was 99.4% of the EU27 average, well above the national average of 42.1%.

Bucharest - Ilfov Region is composed by Ilfov county and Bucharest Municipality.

The shares of the employment on economic sectors are services (65.3%), industry (12.8%), construction (12%), transportation (5.7%), hotels and restaurants (3.1%), agriculture, forestry and fishing (1.1%).

Bucharest-Ilfov is the most developed region with the highest GDP per capita in the country, characterized by the lowest unemployment rate. The region’s economy is dominated by services, while the trade, warehousing, distribution, construction activities are developing rapidly.

The region’s 33 universities, most famous being “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, University Politehnica of Bucharest, University of Bucharest contribute to the highly educated workforce. While many SMS companies companies prefer local talent, there is also significant international recruitment, especially for high skilled workers in technology, engineering, construction, finance, hotels and restaurants.

The working language is Romanian, but international businesses often require English or other languages.

In 2023, more than 1 168 800 people were active in the labour market in Bucharest. 42.5% had tertiary education, 53.3% had secondary education, and 4.2% had primary education. The employment rate in Bucharest was 59.5 % in 2023, 10.9 percentage points higher than the national average in Romania and in line with 2022 figures.

The employment rate for women in 2023 was 53.7%, men had an employment rate of 66.3%, and for the youth the employment rate was 23.7%, all above the national average.

^{Note: lfst_r_lfe2emprt, Statistics | Eurostat (europa.eu), tgs00010,} 

The unemployment rate in Bucharest was 2.8% in 2023, 2.8 points lower than the national average in the same year and in line with the previous year.

^{Note: lfst_r_lfe2emprt, Statistics | Eurostat (europa.eu), tgs00010,} 

Vacancies

Main vacancies, on occupations, in the region: 

• Messengers, Package, Deliverers 
• Building Construction Labourers 
• Freight Handlers 
• Shop Sales Assistants 
• Hand Packers -Security Guards 
• Manufacturing Labourers 
• Fast Food Preparers 
• Service staff in offices, hotels and other institutions 
• Drivers of cars and vans 
• Building Caretakers 
• Bricklayers and Related Workers 
• Kitchen Helpers 
• Trade Brokers 
• Door-to-door salespersons 

Source: ANOFM (PES) database

Shortages

Main labour shortages, on occupations: 

• Messengers, Package, Deliverers 
• Building Construction Labourers 
• Freight Handlers 
• Shop Sales Assistants 
• Security Guards 
• Hand Packers
• Fast Food Preparers 
• Service staff in offices, hotels and other institutions 
• Bricklayers and Related Workers 
• Waiters 
• Carpenters and Joiners 
• Floor Layers and Tile Setters 
• Software Developers 
• Welders and Flame Cutters 
• Structural Metal Prepares and Erectors 

Source: ANOFM (PES) database

Surpluses

Main labour surpluses, on occupations: 

• Psychologists
• Translators, interpreters and other linguists 
• Home-based Personal Care Workers 
• Secondary education teachers 
• Ships’ deck crews and related workers 
• Shoemakers and Related Workers 
• Farming, Forestry and Fisheries Advisers 
• Primary School Teachers 
• Visual Artists 
• Product and Garment Designers 
• Shoemaking and related machine operators 
• Musicians, singers and composers 
• Photographers
• Philosophers, historians and political scientists 
• Life science technicians (excluding medical) 

Source: ANOFM (PES) database

South-West Oltenia (Sud-Vest Oltenia)

With 1 861 680 inhabitants, South-West Oltenia represented about 9.8% of the population in Romania in 2023.

The gross domestic product per capita, adjusted for price levels (PPS) in South-West Oltenia was 31.9% of the EU27 average, well below the national average of 42.1%.

The South-West Oltenia Region is composed by the counties: Dolj, Gorj, Mehedinţi, Olt, Vâlcea.

The shares of the employment on economic sectors are services (40.2%), industry (22.9%), agriculture, forestry and fishing (17.6%), construction (10.6%), transportation (5.9%), hotels and restaurants (2.8%).

The main industries in the region are metallurgy (represented by aluminium producer - ALRO Slatina), electro-technical, energy production (represented by Complexul Energetic Oltenia), automotive, chemical industry (the producer Oltchim SA), food industry, light industry and building materials. Agriculture has an important role in the region, through various agricultural crops, fruit growing, viticulture, zootechnics, forestry.

The region benefits of a university center with tradition in Craiova, where highly qualified specialists are prepared for the labour market. The transport infrastructure is diversified, supporting the economy. The tourism is well developed and skilled/ unskilled workers are needed.

In 2023, more than 769 600 people were active in the labour market in South-West Oltenia. 20.1% had tertiary education, 65.7% had secondary education, and 14.2% had primary education. The employment rate in South-West Oltenia was 44.5 % in 2023, 4.1 percentage points lower than the national average in Romania and 1.1 percentage points higher compared to 2022.

The employment rate for women in 2023 was 36.7%, men had an employment rate of 52.7%, and for the youth the employment rate was 16.4%, all below the national average.

^{Note: lfst_r_lfe2emprt, Statistics | Eurostat (europa.eu), tgs00010,} 

The unemployment rate in South-West Oltenia was 8.9% in 2023, 3.3 points higher than the national average in the same year and in line with the previous year.

^{Note: lfst_r_lfe2emprt, Statistics | Eurostat (europa.eu), tgs00010,} 

Vacancies

Main vacancies on occupations in the region: 

• Building construction labourers 
• Manufacturing labourers 
• Freight handlers 
• Shop sales assistants 
• Structural metal preparers and erectors 
• Security guards

Shortages

Main labour shortages on occupations: 

• Shop sales assistants 
• Freight handlers 
• Door-to-door salespersons 
• Security guards 
• Fast food preparers 
• Welders and flame cutters

Surpluses

Main labour surpluses on occupations: 

• Field crop and vegetable growers 
• Civil engineering labourers 
• Mixed crop and livestock farm labourers 
• Life science technicians (excluding Medical) 
• Travel guides 
• Translators, interpreters and other linguists