Brazil creates more than 920,000 formal jobs in first half of 2026

Brazil created 921,645 formal jobs between January and June 2026, reflecting continued strength in the country's labour market, according to the latest figures released by the Ministry of Labour and Employment.

In June alone, the country recorded a net gain of 145,161 formal jobs, with more than 2.22 million people hired and 2.07 million employment contracts terminated during the month, as reported by Brasil de Fato, a TV BRICS partner.

The data indicate that Brazil's formal employment market maintained positive momentum throughout the first half of the year. Over the 12-month period from July 2025 to June 2026, the country generated a net total of 963,921 formal jobs.

The services sector remained the main driver of employment growth, accounting for 571,926 new jobs during the six-month period. The strongest gains were recorded in public administration, education, healthcare, social assistance and administrative services.

Construction ranked second with 168,962 new positions, followed by manufacturing with 143,442 and agriculture with 40,853.

In June, all major sectors posted positive results. Services once again led job creation with 74,514 new positions, followed by agriculture, trade, manufacturing and construction. Workers aged 24 and under accounted for the largest share of employment growth during the month.

The average real monthly starting salary for newly hired employees in June stood at approximately US$433. Among workers in standard employment arrangements, the average starting salary reached around US$441, while employees in non-standard forms of employment earned an average of approximately US$379.