Labor market shows gains in restaurants, manufacturing and elderly care

Macau saw employment growth in several key sectors in the first quarter of 2026, with restaurants, manufacturing and elderly care services all recording increases in the number of workers, according to the Statistics and Census Service (DSEC).

The number of people employed in restaurants rose 2.8% year-on-year to 29,046, while manufacturing grew 4.0% to 8,822. Elderly care services also increased 2.6% to 1,765. Hotel employment remained stable at 61,138 workers.

In contrast, some sectors recorded slight declines. Financial activities fell 0.3% to 8,554 employees, while child-care services dropped 3.4% to 1,358. Utilities, including electricity, gas and water supply, edged down 0.2% to 1,088.

Average monthly earnings in March varied widely across industries.

Employees in financial activities recorded the highest pay at MOP32,520, followed closely by utilities at MOP32,260. Hotel workers earned an average of MOP20,800, while restaurant staff received MOP10,530. Manufacturing and care services ranged between MOP13,030 and MOP17,630.

Recruitment activity remained strongest in elderly care, with a 6.0% hiring rate, followed by restaurants at 4.6%. Hotels and financial services each recorded 2.8% and 2.6%, respectively, while utilities reported the lowest at 0.8%.