The latest employment statistics from the Samoa Bureau of Statistics for the March 2024 quarter reveal a robust recovery and growth in the nation's job market. 

Employment numbers surged by 4.2 per cent compared to the same quarter last year, marking the sixth consecutive quarter of positive growth after twelve quarters of decline that began in December 2019. This positive trend surpasses pre-COVID-19 employment levels, highlighting the resilience and recovery of Samoa's economy.

Key industries such as accommodation, restaurants, and education have been pivotal in this growth, as businesses reopen and cater to a growing influx of tourists and visiting friends and families. This resurgence has created more job opportunities, significantly boosting employment in these sectors.

The accommodation sector, in particular, experienced a remarkable 68.1 per cent increase in employment on a year-on-year basis. Similarly, the education sector saw a 26.8 per cent rise, while restaurants, public administration, other services, finance services, and communication recorded growths of 7.8 per cent, 4.7 per cent, 4.5 per cent, 4.3 per cent, and 3.2 per cent, respectively.

Wages and salaries for the March 2024 quarter increased by 9.5 per cent compared to the previous year, totaling $165.5 million. This increase was driven primarily by the accommodation, restaurants, and other manufacturing sectors. 

The formal employment wage index grew by 5.2 per cent year-on-year, indicating a substantial uplift in the earning potential for workers.

Industries such as food manufacturing, other manufacturing, restaurants, water, agriculture, and communication contributed significantly to this wage growth, with increases of 43.7 per cent, 43.3 per cent, 37.1 per cent, 31.1 per cent, 25.7per cent, and 25.2per cent, respectively.

As of March 2024, the total number of employees in formal employment stood at 25,843, with males constituting 54.1 per cent and females making up 45.9 per cent. Total wages amounted to $165.5 million, with males receiving 54 per cent and females 46per cent of this total. The average quarterly wages were $6,408 for females and $6,404 for males, indicating a slight advantage for males in average earnings for the reviewed quarter.

The continuous growth in employment reflects the impact of various economic activities stimulating the job market and increasing the demand for employees. The inflow of international visitors has also played a crucial role in this upward trend, coinciding with the overall economic recovery.

The March 2024 quarter's employment index, maintaining its level from the previous quarter, registered the second-highest employment index since the series' inception. This growth underscores Samoa's successful recovery phase from previous years of economic decline, driven by targeted efforts to rejuvenate critical sectors and enhance employment opportunities.