Antioquia surpassed the national average in employment in 2025, but faces regional and labor quality gaps
During the first half of 2025, Antioquia recorded 3,330,154 employed individuals, representing a 5% increase compared to the same period in 2024. This growth was almost two percentage points above the national average, solidifying the department as one of the most dynamic in job creation.
TL;DR
- Antioquia employed 3,330,154 people in the first half of 2025, a 5% increase that outpaced the national average.
- Employment growth was concentrated in the Valle de Aburrá, while other regions saw an increase in self-employment.
- Formal dependent employment in Medellín grew 6.8%, contrasting with a national trend.
- Agriculture, manufacturing, and commerce accounted for 60% of job growth in the department.
- Construction was the only major sector to experience declines in employment and formal affiliation.
- Microenterprises employ the most people (55.9%), but large companies showed the highest growth rate (16.7%).
- Formal employment remains concentrated in the Valle de Aburrá, with lower levels in other subregions.
- Women's participation in formal employment shows a slight improvement but territorial inequalities persist.
- The main challenge for 2026 is to improve job quality, accelerate formalization in vulnerable areas, and diversify the productive base.