Labour Market Information: Slovakia

National level - Slovakia

^{* 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 5.4 million people lived in Slovakia. The gross domestic product per inhabitant was EUR 20 000 in 2022, 43.5% lower than the average of EUR 35 400 per inhabitant in the EU27. Between 2018 and 2022, the GDP per capita increased by 21%.

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

In 2023, more than 2.8 million people were active on the labour market in Slovakia. The employment rate was 72%, 1.6 percentage points higher than the EU27 average and 4.4 percentage points higher compared to 2018.In 2023, for women, the employment rate was 68.4%, for men, the employment rate was 75.5%, and for youth, the employment rate was 21.7%, with men and women having rates higher than the EU average and with only youth having a rate lower than 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 nearly matching the level registered in 2022. In 2023, the unemployment rate returned to the level before the pandemic, when it equalled 6.6% in 2018, and 5.8% in 2019. The unemployment rate is consistently below the EU27 average. In 2023, it was 0.2 percentage points lower in Slovakia than in the EU27, nearly matching the EU27 average.

In 2023, 98.9% of the active workforce were from Slovakia, 0.7% from other EU Member States and 0.4 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 (27.7%), followed by wholesale and retail trade; repair of motor vehicles and motorcycles (18.4%), construction (10.8%) and professional, scientific and technical activities (9.2%). In terms of number of enterprises, most can be found in construction (21%), wholesale and retail trade; repair of motor vehicles and motorcycles (16.9%), and professional, scientific and technical activities (15.7%).

In Slovakia, the highest proportion of employees (44.8%) worked in micro companies with up to 9 employees. These companies accounted for the majority of all enterprises in the country (97.5%) with 619 664 of such businesses. 26.7% of persons employed worked in large companies with more than 250 employees, 14.9% of persons employed worked in medium companies with 50 to 249 employees, 7.8% of persons employed worked in small companies with 20 to 49 employees and 5.9% of persons employed worked in small companies with 10 to 19 employees.

Vacancies

In 2024, in Slovakia, the occupational groups with the highest occurrence of shortage occupations were: stationary plant and machine operators, building and related trades workers (excluding electricians) and drivers and mobile plant operators. On the other hand, the occupational groups with the highest occurrence of surplus occupations were: personal service workers, business and administration associate professionals and food processing, woodworking, garment and other craft and related trades workers.

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 1.1 % in the industry, construction and services, 1.7 percentage points lower than the EU27 on average. This rate is equal to 2022 and it is still equal to the situation before 2020, when it stood 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: jvs_a_rate_r2, Statistics | Eurostat}

Widely used job portals

Wages

Minimum wage

As of 1 January 2024, the statutory minimum wage in Slovakia was set at 750 EUR.

Monthly average gross and net earnings

In 2023, the gross average earnings of a single person stood at EUR 1403, while the EU27 average was EUR 3417. The equivalent net wage was EUR 1 062 in Slovakia, compared to EUR 2351 in the EU27. Compared to 2018, gross average earnings increased by 35.2% in Slovakia and by 19.8% in the EU27. During the same period, the net wages have increased by 34.6% in Slovakia 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 | Digital transition | Expected growing or declining sectors | Green transition | Immigration | Insufficient number of jobseekers with the required skills | Other | Remote work | Skills that are expected to increase or decline in demand | Unemployment | Workers' and employers' preferences on employment and working conditions don't match

Ageing workforce

Slovakia is plagued by an aging population and a low birth rate. In some sectors, there is a high proportion of employees over the age of 60. For those born before 1967, the retirement age is 64. The retirement age in Slovakia will gradually increase depending on the year of birth. The law does not restrict the possibility of working in addition to receiving a pension. In certain cases, a working pensioner can even claim a tax relief. The reasons why pensioners in Slovakia often work (149 thousand in 2023) include the need to remain active, financial reasons, but also the inability to find an adequate replacement for them (e.g. education, healthcare). In 2030, five generations will meet in the labour market. In combination with employing foreigners, this will make it difficult to coordinate multicultural and multigenerational teams, according to experts. In 2040, the most productive generation will begin to leave the labour market. In 2050, they predict a physical decline in the number of people in the labour market by up to a quarter of a million. The arrival of robotization may be the solution. As operating robots brings with it highly skilled work, it is a great opportunity for young people to get a job, and at the same time, the changing economy will force employees in the labour market to engage in lifelong learning.

Digital transition

The digital transformation across the EU creates new job opportunities, especially in the technology sector, but it also requires up-skilling and re-skilling of the workforce. Slovakia lacks such a qualified workforce. The wave of generative artificial intelligence (AI) is expected to increase the productivity of companies and create new jobs, while exacerbating disproportionate wage disparities. AI will also cause the disappearance of some jobs. In the IT and telecommunications sector, it will be about 12,000. The most endangered positions include client support operator, IT user support technician, IT service and operational worker, ICT tester, website, internet, intranet developer. People in IT and telecommunications will need to update their knowledge and skills. However, AI and new technologies will create more jobs than they will replace.

Expected growing or declining sectors

The largest growth of job opportunities was recorded in the services sector, particularly in IT, health, education and financial services. Industry and trade will also dominate the future labour market needs in the Slovak Republic. The industrial sector, including the automotive industry, continues to play a significant role in job creation. A large number of jobs in the eastern part of Slovakia will be created by the investment of the Swedish automotive group Volvo in 2025. The Slovak labour market has a high demand for workers with technical and digital skills in response to increasing digitalization and technological progress. Professionals are also needed in the healthcare sector, where a shortage of qualified staff is putting pressure on the healthcare system. Employment is expected to decline in communication services.

Green Transition

The interest of graduates and people of working age in “green” employers have increased by 15 to 20% in recent years. To attract these employees, employers need to adapt. These people are highly mobile and willing to move abroad for work. Employers must therefore offer a flexible working environment and support the development of the skills and talents of their employees to enable them to compete in the international labour market while keeping them motivated and engaged. The young generation is watching whether companies not only declare ecological principles, but also actually practice sustainable production. According to them, companies that introduce sustainable practices into their processes gain a competitive advantage and are attractive not only to consumers but also to potential employees. Data from job portals and recruitment agencies indicate a growing interest in positions related to environmental skills. This trend applies not only to specialized positions, but also to common positions where environmental knowledge is increasingly required.

Immigration (from the EU, from third countries)

Slovakia is not one of the traditional final destinations for migrants. It is a culturally homogeneous country, which was not affected by the dramatic increase in migration during the twentieth century. Out of all the EU countries, Slovakia has the third lowest proportion of foreigners. Today foreigners make up 5.13 percent of the population and their number is slowly increasing. The proportion of Austrian, Czech, Hungarian, Polish and Ukrainian citizens in the total population of foreigners in the SR is 67.5%. Ukrainians are the most numerous groups of foreigners in Slovakia. Considering non-EU nationals in Slovakia, Ukrainians (156 881) are followed by the nationals of Serbia (18 215), Vietnam (8 039), the Russian Federation (7 436) and North Macedonia (2 842). Most EU countries citizens in Slovakia come from the Czech Republic (12 755). They form 4.6 % of the total population of foreigners. Source: IOM.

Insufficient number of jobseekers with the required skills

For several years, Slovakia has been struggling with a chronic shortage of qualified workers, especially in technical and engineering fields. According to experts, there was a lack of candidates in all fields in 2023. Workers in production and logistics, accountants, sales representatives and managers were among the most wanted. There was an increased demand for candidates who speak more than one language, especially a combination of English and German. Manufacturing companies, the IT sector, construction and healthcare have the biggest problem. It is mainly caused by demographic changes (ageing of population, low birth rate), insufficient motivation to study technical fields, qualified labour force leaving to work abroad, insufficient flexibility of the labour market, but also a difficult administrative process when employing non-EU citizens.

Other

The imbalance in the Slovak labour market will increasingly spill over into rising vacancy rates, upward pressure on wages and imports of labour from abroad. Record high rate of inflation as well as a shortage of workers were the two most important aspects forcing employers to raise wages in 2024. In Slovakia, wages grew in all sectors and regions, but not equally everywhere. The most significant increases were felt by employees in manufacturing, construction and logistics. On the contrary, sectors with minimal wage growth included IT, banking and financial services. At the same time, wages in some occupations reached very similar levels across several regions, which was particularly evident in engineering and manufacturing.

Remote work

In 2023, 7.8% of employed persons in Slovakia sometimes worked from home, compared to 13.3% in the EU27. Additionally, 4.9% of employed persons in Slovakia usually worked from home, while in the EU27 it was 8.9%.

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

Skills that are expected to increase or decline in demand

Companies are no longer interested in diplomas. In the past, hard skills were in demand, today soft skills are preferred. Employers choose candidates according to the following skills: creativity, marketing (a skill that combines sales, recruitment and project management), customer communication, resilience (they should also know their typical ways of reacting to stressful situations and handle them constructively), conflict management, analytical thinking, flexibility and adaptability (people have started to be asked to have soft skills so that they can adapt to new trends and are not focused on one technical skill), teamwork, communication (companies check how quickly and clearly candidates can communicate their ideas in an interview through targeted questions).

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

Unemployment in Slovakia is strongly regionally differentiated. While in the west of the country there are now visible signs of an overheating of the labour market, in the east and south the unemployment rate still exceeds 10% in some districts. Low regional labour mobility is one of the sources of labour underutilisation. In international comparison, Slovaks move for work much less than in neighbouring EU countries. Slovakia is one of the countries struggling particularly with high long-term unemployment rates. The reasons why there is a group of long-term unemployed include:

• unchanging conditions in receiving unemployment support or social benefits, which do not motivate people to work.
• foreclosures;
• undeclared work and relatively low fines;
• inadequate expectations (salary, benefits) especially from young people.

Workers’ and employers’ preferences on employment and working conditions don’t match

According to surveys, the main discrepancy is in expectations - what the boss expects from the employee and what he expects from himself. The reason may be that the employee is selfish, expects benefits, but offers little or nothing himself. On the other hand, it may be an employer who has not clearly communicated or has inadequate requirements. The most requested benefit from employees is working from home, extra holidays, flexible working hours.

Bratislava Region (Bratislavský kraj)

With 728 370 inhabitants, Bratislava Region represented about 13.4% of the population in Slovakia in 2023.

The gross domestic product per capita, adjusted for price levels (PPS) in Bratislava Region was 116.1% of the EU27 average, well above the national average of 56.5%.

The Bratislava region is situated in the western part of Slovakia. It is the smallest region in Slovakia. The key industries of the region include the chemical and automotive industry, ICT sector, machinery and equipment industry, electrical engineering and the food industry. These sectors benefit from the strong advantages of the region - high level of education, well-developed transport and technical infrastructure, active foreign trade and the highest demand for goods and services. Nevertheless, the Bratislava region is the first region in Slovakia where trade and services are gaining the upper hand over industrial production.

The most important employers in Bratislava are:

• Chemical Industry: Slovnaft Bratislava
• Automotive Industry: Volkswagen Slovakia
• Machinery and Equipment Industry: Faurecia Automotive Slovakia, SAS Automotive, Adient Slovakia, Yanfeng International Automotive Technology Slovakia
• ICT sector: Slovak Telecom, Eset Slovakia, Orange Slovakia, Lenovo Slovakia, Accenture Technology Solutions, Siemens Healthcare, IBM Slovakia
• Electronics & Electrical Components Industry: Siemens
• Food Industry: Rajo, I.D.C. Holding, Mondelez SR Production

The main employers in the Malacky, Pezinok and Senec districts are: DHL Exel Slovakia, s. r. o. Senec, Metro Cash & Carry SR s.r.o. Ivanka pri Dunaji, LSE - Life Star Emergency s.r.o. Limbach, DHL Logistics (Slovakia) s.r.o. Senec, Medirex, a.s. Pezinok, Plastic Omnium Auto Exteriors, s.r.o., IAC Group Slovakia, s.r.o., Danucem Slovensko, a.s., Ikea Components, s.r.o., Sisecam Automotive Slovakia, s.r.o. There are 13 universities in Bratislava - Comenius University, Slovak University of Technology, University of Economics, University of Performing Arts, University of Fine Arts, University of Economics and Management, University of Management in Bratislava, St. Elizabeth University of Health and Social Work, Bratislava International School of Liberal Studies, Pan-European University, Slovak University of Health Sciences, Academy of Police Corps. The University of Trnava has a Faculty of Theology in the territory of the Bratislava Region.

In 2023, more than 401 200 people were active in the labour market in Bratislava Region. 51.7% had tertiary education, 46.4% had secondary education, and 1.9% had primary education. The employment rate in Bratislava Region was 65.6 % in 2023, 7.6 percentage points higher than the national average in Slovakia and 1.2 percentage points higher compared to 2022.

The employment rate for women in 2023 was 63.7%, men had an employment rate of 67.8%, and for the youth the employment rate was 13.3%. 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), data refer to age group 15 years or over}

The unemployment rate in Bratislava Region was 2.3% in 2023, 3.5 points lower than the national average in the same year and in line with the previous year.

^{Note: lfst_r_lfu3rt, Statistics | Eurostat, data refer to age group 15 years or over}

Vacancies

The Bratislava region has the lowest unemployment rate in the Slovak Republic, with many vacancies in the IT sector, healthcare, positions in the field of services and trade, operators and assemblers of machinery and equipment and auxiliary and unskilled workers. Job seekers are most interested in administrative and professional positions. The Bratislava region offers one third of the total number of vacancies published in labour offices throughout Slovakia.

Shortages

The Bratislava region has the highest number of long-term shortage occupations in Slovakia, currently over 70 occupations. It faces significant labour shortages, particularly in sectors such as healthcare, construction, IT, services and trade. As the region has a strong position in the construction industry and is a leader in housing construction, it has a shortage of workers in construction-related occupations, such as bricklayers, carpenters, concrete workers, tile welders, mechanics, construction and plant electricians and others. The region also has a shortage of workers in the education sector. As Bratislava is a city with many multinational companies from the IT sector, there are relatively good opportunities to find a job in this area. Employers are very interested in employing third-country nationals. The region also has a well-developed agricultural sector, where there is a shortage of mainly seasonal workers.

Surpluses

As the Bratislava region provides one third of the vacancies in Slovakia, it does not suffer from a labour surplus like other regions of Slovakia. When employers have made redundancies, it has been in jobs that have been replaced by artificial intelligence and higher technology. This applies, for example, to call centre employees. Source: Bratislavský kraj - charakteristika regiónu

Western Slovakia (Západné Slovensko)

Go directly to Trnava Region | Trenčín Region | Nitra Region

With 1 806 944 inhabitants, Western Slovakia represented about 33.3% of the population in Slovakia in 2023.

The gross domestic product per capita, adjusted for price levels (PPS) in Western Slovakia was 51.7% of the EU27 average, below the national average of 56.5%.

In 2023, more than 924 600 people were active in the labour market in Western Slovakia. 25.5% had tertiary education, 70.9% had secondary education, and 3.6% had primary education. The employment rate in Western Slovakia was 58.4 % in 2023, in line with the national average and in line with 2022 figures.

The employment rate for women in 2023 was 52.7%, men had an employment rate of 64.5%, and for the youth the employment rate was 23.9%. 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), data refer to age group 15 years or over}

The unemployment rate in Western Slovakia was 3.6% in 2023, 2.2 points lower than the national average in the same year and in line with the previous year.

^{Note: lfst_r_lfu3rt, Statistics | Eurostat, data refer to age group 15 years or over}

Trnava Region

The Trnava region is situated in the western part of Slovakia and is the second most productive agricultural region of Slovakia. Agricultural arable land occupies 2/3 of the area. Livestock production is dominated by the breeding of pigs and cattle (especially in the Dunajská Streda district). The southern part of the region has an agricultural-industrial character, the northern and central part is industrial. Mainly dairy and meat products, sugar, confectionery and sparkling wines are produced. Significant is the production of computer, electronic (SAMSUNG Electronics Slovakia), optical products and motor vehicles (PCA Slovakia, ZF Slovakia), metal structures and machines (ŽOS Trnava), chemical products (CHEMOLAK), production of heating devices and boilers (Vaillant Industrial Slovakia, Protherm Production Skalica), pharmaceutical products (Saneca Pharmaceuticals) and the production and processing of metals (Bekaert Hlohovec, Schaeffler Skalica). Geothermal and healing springs (natural spas in Piešťany and Smrdáky) are of particular importance.

Vacancies

Vacancies are mainly in the engineering and automotive industries. Employers are most often looking for production operators and assembly workers in engineering production. The labour market in the Trnava region emphasizes qualified workers and craftsmen: electricians, car mechanics, locksmiths, painters, bricklayers and construction workers. Positions for auxiliary workers, storekeepers, service and shop workers are also advertised and wanted. In terms of required education, the most frequently advertised vacancies (87% share) are those with primary and secondary (professional) education.

Shortages

The greatest shortage of suitable labour in the Trnava region is in the automotive industry and engineering. There is a lack of welders, metal workers, assembly workers, (automotive) production operators, warehouse workers. There is a significant shortage of workers in the health sector: doctors, nurses, caregivers. There is a lack of bus drivers and truck drivers in the transport sector. In the restaurant and hotel sector, they are mainly cooks and waiters. The least demand is for workers in agriculture, fishing and forestry. A lower number of secondary school graduates enter the labour market in the Trnava region than the labour market requires. There is a significant shortage of secondary school positions in a number of professions, such as social and educational workers, caregivers, assistants, salespeople in services, and in the field of construction there is a demand especially for masons and electricians.

Surpluses

The Nitra region has surplus of administrative assistants, clerks, call centre operators, sale staff, workers in agriculture, helpers and cleaners, garbage collectors, beauticians, auxiliary unskilled workers, catering workers, construction workers. The surplus of labour is also in the area of ​​unskilled labour with basic education or no completed education, also auxiliary workers in the field of trade, transport and storage, auxiliary workers in construction and in agriculture. Insufficient knowledge of a foreign language causes an obstacle to the labour mobility of jobseekers. Source: Nitriansky kraj - charakteristika regiónu

Trenčín Region

The Trenčín Region is one of the smaller regions. It extends in the northwest part of Slovakia. The western part of the region is formed by the border with the Czech Republic, in the south it borders with the Trnava and Nitra regions, in the east with Banská Bystrica region and in the north with the Žilina region. The Trenčín region is one of the economically developed regions of Slovakia with a dynamic labour market that has a strong tradition in industrial production. The region is characterized by a low unemployment rate compared to other Slovak regions, which reflects the stable demand for labour force in industry, especially in the automotive, engineering, rubber and electrical industries. The textile and clothing industry is also represented, as well as the glass, leather and food industries. With the ever-increasing demand for skilled workers, as well as workers in production, their shortage in the labour market is increasing. Employers are no longer able to fill vacant job positions with local labour force, so they approach the employment of EU citizens as well as citizens of third countries. Recruitment in the Trenčín region is mostly carried out for permanent employment, while employers rarely offer remote work. Knowledge of the English language is often required when filling managerial positions, while some companies, especially subcontractors in the automotive industry, also require knowledge of the Korean language. Seasonal employment is possible mainly in agriculture and construction. Within the region, the Alexander Dubček University of Trenčín focuses on education in economic as well as engineering and health professions.

Vacancies

The Trenčín region is an important centre for various industrial sectors. Automobile companies and their suppliers play an important role, offering a large number of jobs in various specialisations. Mechanical engineering, metalworking and the rubber industry have a long tradition in the region, not only in production, but also in the area of ​​development. The region is experiencing growth in the technology sector, which brings new opportunities for information technology and electrical engineering workers. Among the biggest challenges on the labour market in the Trenčín region are the aging of the workforce and the outflow of young people to larger cities or abroad, which causes a lack of qualified labour force in some areas. On the other hand, a growing IT sector and increasing automation may attract young professionals back to the region. Regional education tries to respond to the needs of the labour market and prepares experts for currently in-demand positions. The development of university and vocational education programs focused on technology and engineering can further support the competitiveness of the workforce.

Shortages

Currently, the labour market is facing a significant shortage of employees in many areas. The largest number of vacancies are found in the engineering, automotive, rubber and footwear industries. There is a shortage of skilled professionals in positions such as production operators, CNC turners, welders, truck drivers, seamstresses, health workers, carpenters and cooks. However, the shortage of workers is not limited to industry, but also manifests itself in the areas of services, hospitality and the social sphere. This problem is also exacerbated by the departure of employees abroad, which puts pressure on employers to try to attract and retain talented individuals. Forklift drivers, construction ironworkers, plasterers and practical nurses are currently in high demand. Employers emphasize manual and physical skills, independence and responsibility, while trying to identify and use the potential of applicants who have predispositions to successfully fill these positions. In the agricultural sector, seasonal work is often provided through foreign workers.

Surpluses

Currently, the labour market is undergoing significant changes caused by the development of new technologies and changes in consumer habits. Many professions that historically dealt with routine tasks, such as recorders, data and text workers, are becoming redundant. This trend does not avoid the retail sector either, where consumers’ preference for online shopping is increasing. The consequence of this development is a surplus of labour force also in professions such as general administrative workers, secretaries, assistants, sales representatives and unskilled workers. Characteristics of redundant workers often include women with young children, clients over 50 and the long-term unemployed. The interest of citizens from the region in working abroad is mainly focused on countries such as Austria and Germany, and for clients without language skills, the Czech Republic is a frequent destination for employment. They are particularly interested in seasonal jobs in the areas of gastronomy and hospitality, which shows their efforts to adapt to changing conditions on the labour market. Source: Trenčiansky kraj - charakteristika regiónu (statistics.sk)

Nitra Region

The Nitra region is located in the south-western part of the Slovak Republic. The region’s key industries include the automotive, engineering, electro-technical, plastics, food, chemical and rubber industries. The region is rich in mineral springs, which ensure the development of the spa industry. Important enterprise is the automobile manufacturer Jaguar Land Rover in the city of Nitra. The most important employers: • electrical industry: Semecs, Van Doren Engineers, Foxconn, Danfoss, Shin Heung Precision, Osram, Nuritech SK, Bang Joo Electronics, Orgeco. • automotive industry: Jaguar Land Rover, Kongsberg Automotive, Auria Solutions, Matador Automotive, Miba Steeltec, Kromberg & Schubert • engineering industry: Müehlbauer, Cesam, Marel, Ferplast, SAM Shipbuilding and machinery, Arden Equipment, Gastro-haal, Kabelschlepp-Systemtechnik, Cikautxo, Pastorkalt • energy industry: Slovenské Elektrárne - Mochovce Nuclear Power Plant • plastics industry: VÚSAPL, Steep Plast, Minitüb, LB Slovakia Plastics, Jasplastik SK, Albéa, Trio Pack Plastic, ERA-PACK-PLUS, AAH PLASTICS • food industry: HSH, Agro Tami, PE

M, HEINEKEN, HYZA, Mlyn Pohronský Ruskov, Levické mliekarne, Novofruct SK. • cosmetics industry: De Miclén • chemical industry: DUSLO • healthcare and social care: Faculty Hospital Nitra, Psychiatric Hospital Veľké Zálužie, Faculty hospital Nové Zámky, Agel Komárno, Agel LeviceImportant universities located in Nitra region - the Slovak Agricultural University and the University of Constantine Philosopher in Nitra. The J. Selye University in Komárno, the University of Health and Social Work of St. Elizabeth in Nové Zámky.

Vacancies

The Nitra region is facing labour shortages in sectors such as manufacturing and healthcare. There are also job offers available in trade, logistics, services and IT sector. Employers often seek candidates with technical skills, such as programming, engineering expertise and knowledge of production processes.

Shortages

The Nitra region is currently facing significant labour shortages in railway transport, mainly technical workers, train drivers, train conductors, dispatchers. Key shortage occupations include also engineers, technicians, electricians, plumbers, electrical and technical engineers, electro-mechanics, electrical equipment fitters, manufacturing operatives, mechanical production foreman, CNC machine programmers, wire harness formers, truck body assemblers, car electricians, assembly technicians, software developers, machine and equipment operators and fitters. There are jobs available in food industry as bakers, butchers, technologists, poultry processors. There is also lack of warehouseman, forklift operators, truck drivers, bus drivers, mail carrier, school teachers and healthcare professionals as nurses, physiotherapists, doctors.

Surpluses

The Nitra region has surplus of administrative assistants, clerks, call centre operators, sale staff, workers in agriculture, helpers and cleaners, garbage collectors, beauticians, auxiliary unskilled workers, catering workers, construction workers. The surplus of labour is also in the area of ​​unskilled labour with basic education or no completed education, also auxiliary workers in the field of trade, transport and storage, auxiliary workers in construction and in agriculture. Insufficient knowledge of a foreign language causes an obstacle to the labour mobility of jobseekers. Source: Nitriansky kraj - charakteristika regiónu

Central Slovakia (Stredné Slovensko)

Go directly to Žilina Region | Banská Bystrica Region

With 1 305 883 inhabitants, Central Slovakia represented about 24.1% of the population in Slovakia in 2023.

The gross domestic product per capita, adjusted for price levels (PPS) in Central Slovakia was 47.7% of the EU27 average, below the national average of 56.5%.

In 2023, more than 675 900 people were active in the labour market in Central Slovakia. 28% had tertiary education, 68.8% had secondary education, and 3.3% had primary education. The employment rate in Central Slovakia was 58.4 % in 2023, in line with the national average and in line with 2022 figures.

The employment rate for women in 2023 was 53.7%, men had an employment rate of 63.4%, and for the youth the employment rate was 22.6%. The employment rates for women and the youth were above the national average, while the employment rate for men was below the national average.

^{Note: lfst_r_lfe2emprt, Statistics | Eurostat (europa.eu), data refer to age group 15 years or over}

The unemployment rate in Central Slovakia was 5.9% in 2023, in line with the national average in the same year and in line with the previous year.

^{Note: lfst_r_lfu3rt, Statistics | Eurostat, data refer to age group 15 years or over}

Žilina Region

The Žilina region is situated in the north-western part of Slovakia and is the third largest region in Slovakia. There is a good base for the needs of high-tech industries such as software engineering, information and communication technologies, electrical engineering, electronics. In recent years, the development of services has also accelerated - especially in finance, research and development, tourism, logistics and trade. The region has a long tradition of engineering production (railway equipment, bearings, construction machinery and tools), which has been followed by the automotive industry. The leader of the regional economic growth is the Korean car manufacturer KIA Motors, which is also the largest foreign investment in the region. Forestry plays an important role, as forests cover more than 50% of the region’s area. Thanks to these rich timber resources, the region has traditionally had well-established industries such as wood processing and pulp and paper production - Mondi SCP a.s.. The region is rich in mineral springs, many of them with curative properties, which have contributed significantly to the development of the spa industry, wellness services and the beverage industry.

Vacancies

The Žilina region exhibits a diverse range of job vacancies, particularly in manufacturing, IT, logistics, and healthcare sectors. Key occupations include engineers, software developers, manufacturing operatives, drivers and healthcare professionals. Many vacancies are found in small to medium-sized enterprises, as well as larger multinational corporations, providing varying opportunities. Employers often seek candidates with technical skills, such as programming, engineering expertise, and knowledge of production processes. Soft skills, including teamwork and communication, are equally important. Work patterns vary, with a mix of full-time, part-time, and shift work options available, often with flexible arrangements to accommodate employees’ needs. Jobseekers can benefit from ongoing training and development programs offered by employers, enhancing their skills and career prospects. Networking through local job fairs and online platforms can also be advantageous in securing employment in the Žilina region.

Shortages

The Žilina region is currently facing significant labour shortages, particularly in sectors such as construction, manufacturing, and healthcare. Key occupations affected include skilled trades like electricians and plumbers, as well as healthcare professionals such as nurses. These shortages are largely structural, driven by demographic trends, including an aging workforce and youth migration to larger cities or abroad for better opportunities. While some shortages may be temporary due to specific projects, like large construction sites that attract workers for limited durations, the overall trend highlights a growing skills gap that is not easily addressed. Seasonal jobs, particularly in agriculture and tourism, also face workforce challenges, exacerbated by a lack of interest among local youth in these roles. Companies are increasingly investing in training programs and incentives to attract talent, yet overcoming these persistent labour shortages remains a critical challenge for the region’s economic growth.

Surpluses

The Žilina region’s labour market reflects a mix of surplus occupations, characterized by specific skills, gender, and age demographics. Region has a surplus of administrative assistants, clerks, call centre operators, sellers or masseurs. The inclination for workers to pursue opportunities abroad varies based on individual circumstances, but younger and skilled workers often display higher mobility for better prospects. Addressing these surpluses could involve incentives for local businesses to absorb excess labour or initiatives to encourage mobility toward regions with labour shortages. Many surplus workers may be open to relocating, especially younger individuals or those in trades, seeking better opportunities abroad. This willingness depends on economic conditions, language skills, and family situations. Opportunities in neighbouring countries, such as Austria or Germany, can be appealing due to higher wages and better working conditions. However, language barriers might limit mobility for some sectors. Technical and skilled positions may see higher migration rates because they often offer better pay and conditions than domestic counterparts. Source: Žilinský kraj - charakteristika regiónu (statistics.sk)

Banská Bystrica Region

The Banská Bystrica Region is located in the southern part of central Slovakia. It’s the largest region in the country, covering nearly 20% of its territory and housing a population of 620 986 people. The region offers a variety of job opportunities in different sectors, including manufacturing, tourism, agriculture, and healthcare. It’s known for its diverse mineral resources and plays a significant role in mining and raw material supply. The region’s core industries are metal and fabricated metal product manufacturing, other non-metallic mineral product manufacturing, food and beverage production, and machinery and equipment manufacturing. The largest universities that supply workforce are Matej Bel University in Banská Bystrica and Technical University in Zvolen. Most employers tend to recruit locally as the working language is typically Slovak. While regional employers generally don’t offer telework options, this can vary by company and industry.

Vacancies

The largest employers in the region are in the public sector: Slovak Post offers roles in postal services, logistics, and administration; The Financial Administration of Slovak Republic provides jobs in finance and public administration; State enterprise Forests of the Slovak Republic offers positions in forestry, conservation, and related fields. The region has a strong manufacturing sector: Železiarne Podbrezová offers roles in metal production, engineering and maintenance; Nemak Slovakia provides opportunities in manufacturing, engineering, and quality control in automotive industry; Continental Automotive Systems Slovakia offers positions in automotive engineering, production, and quality assurance; The Slovak Company TAURIS offers jobs in meat production, quality control and logistics. The healthcare sector provides positions for doctors, nurses, and other medical professionals. The major employers are hospitals: F.D.Roosevelt University Hospital with Policlinic in Banská Bystrica, Hospital AGEL Zvolen and General Hospital with Policlinic in Lučenec. In education, Matel Bel University in Banská Bystrica and Technical University in Zvolen offer academic positions, administrative roles, and research opportunities. In transportation and logistics, Slovenská autobusová doprava Zvolen provides opportunities for bus drivers. There are job opportunities in tourism and hospitality as the Banská Bystrica region is known for its beautiful scenery, rich history, and diverse culture.

Shortages

The most in-demand jobs in the Banská Bystrica region are in manufacturing, transportation, food processing and healthcare. There is a high demand for workers in roles like assembly, machine operation, and metalworking. Drivers of heavy goods vehicles and train operators are particularly sought after. The region has a need for meat and fish processors. There is also demand for doctors, nurses and construction workers. Many young people leave the region to seek better job opportunities elsewhere. The region has an aging population which can lead to labour shortages in certain sectors. There is a significant mismatch between the skills and occupations in demand in the Banská Bystrica region and the skills and occupations that job seekers are pursuing.

Surpluses

From the overall unemployment rate, the most job seekers are aged 25 to 54. The Banská Bystrica region primarily experiences a surplus of unskilled labour. Many of the unemployed individuals have a lower level of education, such as only a basic or secondary education. These individuals often find themselves in occupations like cleaning, manual labor, and retail. This group rarely seeks job opportunities outside of their region, which is also a reason for long-term unemployment. In addition to a low level of education, they face many other barriers that hinder their mobility, such as a language barrier or a weak socioeconomic situation. On the other hand, qualified job seekers from the Banská Bystrica region often move to the Bratislava region in search of work opportunities. Those with knowledge of other languages are attracted to respected vacancies abroad. Sources: Ústredie práce, sociálnych vecí a rodiny https://www.upsvr.gov.sk Štatistický úrad SR https://www.statistics.sk/

Eastern Slovakia (Východné Slovensko)

Go directly to Prešov Region | Košice Region

With 1 587 595 inhabitants, Eastern Slovakia represented about 29.2% of the population in Slovakia in 2023.

The gross domestic product per capita, adjusted for price levels (PPS) in Eastern Slovakia was 41.2% of the EU27 average, well below the national average of 56.5%.

In 2023, more than 770 300 people were active in the labour market in Eastern Slovakia. 27.4% had tertiary education, 65.1% had secondary education, and 7.5% had primary education. The employment rate in Eastern Slovakia was 53.7 % in 2023, 4.3 percentage points lower than the national average in Slovakia and in line with 2022 figures.

The employment rate for women in 2023 was 47.5%, men had an employment rate of 60.3%, and for the youth the employment rate was 21.6%, all below the national average.

^{Note: lfst_r_lfe2emprt, Statistics | Eurostat (europa.eu), data refer to age group 15 years or over}

The unemployment rate in Eastern Slovakia was 10.4% in 2023, 4.6 points higher than the national average in the same year and in line with the previous year.

^{Note: lfst_r_lfu3rt, Statistics | Eurostat, data refer to age group 15 years or over}

Prešov Region

The Prešov Region is the largest in the Slovak Republic in terms of population. The largest number of inhabitants lives in the regional city of Prešov, which is also the third largest city in Slovakia. Due to the lack of job opportunities, the inhabitants of the Prešov Region often leave for work in other regions or abroad. The unemployment rate has long been the highest among the regions. Industry in the region is diversified, without a strong orientation towards certain manufacturing sectors. In the Prešov Region, the construction industry has a stronger position, while the metalworking, woodworking, food processing, electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, chemical, textile and clothing industries have an important presence. It is mainly concentrated in the district towns. The most important enterprises in the region include Tatravagónka in Poprad, Lear Corporation Seating Slovakia in Prešov, Pivovary TOPVAR, a.s., MECOM GROUP in Humenne, MILK-AGRO in Prešov, Nexis Fibers in Humenne, Bukóza Export-Import in Vranov nad Topľou, Chemosvit foils in Svit, Bukocel in Hencovce.Among the universities in Prešov there are the University of Prešov, the ISM Slovakia College of International Business and the Faculty of Production Technologies of the Technical University in Košice.The natural beauty of the region and suitable climatic conditions have created favourable conditions for the development of tourism. The most visited areas include the High Tatras region. Seasonal or temporary employment is offered mostly in the hotel and gastronomy sector. Most employers in the region tend to recruit locally and working language is Slovak.

Vacancies

The labour market of the Prešov Region offers the most vacancies in the fields of trade, technical and manual cross-sectional sector, gastronomy, engineering, healthcare, transport and construction. Specifically, the positions available are: salesperson/sales assistant, store manager, production operator, warehouse worker, maintenance worker, packer, welder, locksmith, CNC machine operator, constructor, metal worker, doctor, nurse, health care assistant, physiotherapist, driver ( truck, bus, etc.) and various positions in the construction industry. Jobs are mainly offered by small and medium-sized enterprises. Most job offers are for applicants with secondary vocational or general education, followed by offers for applicants with a university degree and then for applicants with elementary education. Knowledge of the Slovak language is required. Depending on the job position, some employers also require knowledge of English and German. A significant number of vacancies are also suitable for graduates or applicants without experience and also for applicants with at least 1 year of experience. In the Prešov Region, there are also vacancies for foreigners, young people and the disabled. Long-term, single-shift, full-time job offers prevail. Employers usually require independence, responsibility, flexibility, teamwork, communication and a willingness to learn new things. Job offers in the Prešov Region: sluzbyzamestnanosti.gov.sk.

Shortages

The majority of job opportunities in the Prešov Region are concentrated in the transport and engineering sectors. Job offers are available for drivers of heavy trucks and lorries in international transport, as well as for metal welders and machine assemblers. Shortages in the transport and engineering sector are more structural and are due to the lack of qualification and practical experience of potential employees. In the transport sector, we expect a long-standing regional challenge in the placement of workers. In the tourism sector, we have job opportunities mainly on a seasonal basis for employees in accommodation and catering services. We have year-round vacancies for cooks and waiters. In the health and social services sector, there is a noticeable shortage of healthcare assistants for the elderly and disabled, as well as a shortage of nurses and doctors.

Surpluses

In 2024, there is a surplus of jobseekers in the Prešov Region in a variety of occupations, including general clerical workers, sales assistants, janitors and support staff in offices, hotels and other establishments, construction workers, production workers, freight handlers, basic production workers, as well as bricklayers, warehouse workers, taxi drivers and kitchen helpers. The Prešov Region continues to offer considerable potential for recruitment, including for employers from EU countries. A significant number of jobseekers continuously register their migration potential for seasonal work and interest in working abroad. The largest group of the unemployed in the Prešov Region consists of persons with no education or only primary education. It is assumed that these people are suitable for placement in unskilled and auxiliary jobs in a number of sectors, including construction, manufacturing, agriculture, forestry, trade and services. The group of jobseekers is demographically diverse, with men more likely to seek employment abroad than their female counterparts. In addition, the region boasts a significant proportion of skilled labour that may be suitable for positions in administration, warehousing, services, and, to some extent, construction. Source: ŠÚSR: Regional statisticssluzbyzamestnanosti.gov.skREGIO

L DWH reports – (SLOVAK - PES administrative data)