Lifetime on the job: How long do Hungarians work compared to others?

While we all know that a significant portion of our lives is spent working, we rarely pause to consider exactly how many years this amounts to. The latest data from Eurostat offers some clarity, revealing how many years the average person in Hungary can expect to spend in employment. These statistics not only highlight differences between countries but also reflect important social and economic trends, such as gender disparities and the steady extension of working life.

According to Eurostat’s latest analysis, a person living in Hungary—starting work at the age of 15—can expect to spend an average of 37.4 years in employment. This figure reflects more than just the current labour market climate; it also illustrates the long-term engagement of Hungarian workers in the workforce. The number slightly exceeds the EU average of 37.2 years as of 2024.

How does Hungary compare to the rest of the EU?

With its 37.4-year average, Hungary ranks in the upper-middle tier among EU countries. For context, the highest figure was recorded in the Netherlands, where workers are projected to spend 43.8 years in employment. Close behind are Sweden (43.0 years) and Denmark (42.5 years). In these countries, employment tends to be not only longer but also more stable, thanks in part to more advanced social welfare systems and more flexible labour market models.

On the opposite end of the scale, Romania (32.7 years), Italy (32.8 years), and Bulgaria (34.8 years) show considerably lower figures. In these countries, shorter working lives are often linked to higher inactivity rates, ageing populations, or youth emigration.

Gender gaps and trends

EU data also underscores the persistent gap in working years between men and women. On average, men work 39.2 years over their lifetimes, compared to 35 years for women. In Hungary, this gap is also present, though somewhat narrower than in some other member states.

For example, while women in Estonia are expected to work over 42 years, in Italy that number drops to just 28.2 years—a striking 14-year difference. This discrepancy arises partly from cultural practices and partly from economic factors: women who have children may spend more time out of the workforce, and full-time employment rates for women remain lower.

A growing trend of longer employment

Over the past decade, Europeans have been working longer. The average expected duration of employment across the EU has increased by 2.4 years, from 34.8 years in 2014 to 37.2 years today. This rise is attributed in part to higher retirement ages and longer participation in the workforce. Hungary is also part of this trend: recent measures have been introduced to encourage continued work among older adults, whether part-time or as entrepreneurs.

Hungary now occupies a position in the EU where the average number of working years exceeds the European norm but still falls short of the levels seen in Nordic countries. The labour market remains structurally stable but faces ongoing challenges, including demographic shifts, digitalisation, and gender inequalities.

Read more labour-related news on Daily News Hungary!

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