Israel Sees Rise in Job Vacancies in Q2 2026, Labor Market Tightens

The average number of job vacancies in Israel rose to 143,700 in the second quarter of 2026, an increase from 136,200 in the first quarter, according to data released by the Central Bureau of Statistics (CBS) on Thursday. The average ratio of job seekers to available positions decreased from 1.9 to 1.8. In the non-professional sector, vacancies climbed to an average of 17,100 per month, up from 16,600 in the previous quarter. The supply-demand ratio in this sector remained stable at 0.7, indicating more openings than job seekers, with cleaning services accounting for 44% of the demand and mining, construction, industry, and transportation for 38%.

Conversely, the number of vacancies for general clerks and office workers declined to 9,500 monthly, down from 10,200 in the first quarter. The supply-demand ratio for these roles fell to 1.4 from 1.6. Customer service representatives constituted about 45% of the demand in this category, with a supply-demand ratio of 0.8. Data entry and administrative support roles accounted for 38% of the demand.

Vacancies in sales and services increased to an average of 41,100 per month, up from 38,400 in the prior quarter, and the supply-demand ratio dropped to 1.0 from 1.2. Sales positions made up 34.4% of this demand, followed by waiters (18.2%) and personal service workers (19.3%). The supply-demand ratio for waiters was 0.8 and for personal service workers was 0.7.

For skilled industrial, construction, and other professional workers, vacancies rose to 33,100 per month from 30,800. The supply-demand ratio held steady at 0.9, with more openings than job seekers across these professions. Academic and professional roles saw vacancies increase to 24,500 monthly, up from 22,800, while the supply-demand ratio remained at three job seekers per opening. Information technology roles accounted for 42% of this demand, with science and engineering roles making up another 23%. Software developers had a supply-demand ratio of 0.7.

Finally, vacancies for technicians, agents, and related support roles increased to 10,900 per month from 9,900, with the supply-demand ratio decreasing to 3.1 from 3.5. Business and administration support roles comprised 43% of this demand. Managerial positions saw a slight increase to 2,600 vacancies per month from 2,500, and the supply-demand ratio for managers fell to 2.9 from 3.1. Hospitality, commerce, and other service sectors accounted for 42% of the demand for managers.