In the second quarter of 2025, the unemployment rate fell in 18 states of Brazil, according to IBGE. In 9 other states, the rate was virtually the same as the previous quarter. The average unemployment in the country was 5.8%, the lowest rate for this period since 2012. That is, the job market is improving, with more people getting employment, especially with a formal contract.
Unemployment is greater among women, black people and who has less education. For example, those who have not finished high school have a much higher unemployment rate than college. There are also fewer people looking for a job for a long time, which shows that people are getting work faster.
Some states have more discouraged people (who have stopped looking for a job) and more workers who do not have a signed portfolio. Maranhão, Pará and Bahia have the largest numbers in these categories, while Santa Catarina, Sao Paulo and the Federal District are among the best, with less unemployment, less discouraged and less informality. This may be linked to the fact that Santa Catarina has a lot of industry, which generates more stable jobs.
