Demand for labor force in Kazakhstan remains quite mixed: on the one hand, employers are actively seeking workers for low-skilled jobs, while on the other, there remains a significant need for teachers, healthcare and social workers, according to an analysis of finprom.kz.
Forecasts show that the greatest demand in the labor market in 2026 will be concentrated primarily in blue-collar jobs, as well as in the social sector. A significant portion of the most in-demand occupations includes unskilled labor, as well as indoor and outdoor cleaning services.
At the same time, the high demand for kindergarten and school teachers, nurses, and caregivers reflects the growing need for personnel in the education and healthcare systems amid demographic growth and the expansion of social-security infrastructure.
In 2025, 1.09 million vacancies were posted on Kazakhstan’s online labor exchange, Enbek.kz, with further growth in vacancies expected this year.
According to forecasts from the Center for Human Resources Development, in 2026, depending on the scenario, the expected number of vacancies posted on the online labor exchange will range from 1.12 million to 1.31 million. Under the baseline scenario, the number of vacancies this year will be approximately 1.2 million, 9% more than in 2025.
The largest demand for workforce is projected in Astana, where 128,000 vacancies are expected. The leading regions will also include Almaty (102,000 vacancies), as well as the Turkestan (98,000), Pavlodar (88,000), and Karaganda (77,000) regions.
The most in-demand occupations will remain those in education, healthcare, manufacturing, public administration, social security, agriculture, and trade.
The top 10 most in-demand occupations in 2026 are:
• General laborers (80,900 vacancies);
• Other unskilled workers (63,900 vacancies);
• Janitors and outdoor cleaners (50,800 vacancies);
• Secondary school teachers (33,500 vacancies);
• Nurses (26,300 vacancies);
• Unskilled manufacturing workers (22,000 vacancies);
• Caregivers (20,200 vacancies);
• Office cleaners (20,000 vacancies);
• Preschool teachers (19,700 vacancies);
• Cleaners (19,000 vacancies).
