Labor

Overview

From management executives, to physicians and nurses, to researchers, Jordan’s education system is on the cutting-edge of 21st century learning. Whether potential investors are considering Jordan for a stand-alone operation, joint venture, or sales platform, the country’s human capital is a prime asset. Jordan’s training investments in technology, manufacturing, service, and sales are higher than the regional average, while wage rates are appreciably lower. Jordan also has the highest percentage of physicians in the MENA region which is 26 for every 10,000 persons, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).

In addition, Jordan’s labor force has a strong work ethic, as this is an integral part of the local culture. Employers in Jordan enjoy low turnover rates, typically less than 2% annually, and the supply of labor is significant. It is not uncommon for highly-qualified professionals to work for the same company for decades, as loyalty is ingrained in Jordanian culture. Currently, Jordan’s unemployment rate of 13% provides companies with access to a large pool of unemployed and underemployed candidates that are highly trained in their fields and are looking for opportunities to become part of international companies.

Key Facts

A few key facts about Jordan’s talent pool in Medical Services:

• Jordan is among the region’s highest spenders on education, investing more than 20.4% of its GDP to develop a labor force that it’s tailored to meet the needs of the market.
• Jordan’s literacy rate of 91% is among the highest in the Middle East.
• Over 200,000 students attend 26 universities and another 20,000 Jordanians are earning degrees abroad. More than 90% of Jordan’s physicians have studied and/or are accredited internationally.
• 70% of Jordan’s population is under the age of 30, thereby creating opportunities for growing companies that want to serve the MENA region.
• Jordan’s business-friendly labor laws and regulations offer flexible options to employers.
• Females comprise 51% of undergraduate students, thereby offering companies a broad cross section of educated workers.
• Jordan’s density of physicians (26 per 10,000) is higher than any country in the MENA region, and rivals that of the United States.
• At 32 nurses per 10,000 population, Jordan’s density is comparable to Thailand (34 nurses per 10,000 population), which is one of the leading countries in the field.
• Jordan’s density of pharmacists at 14 per 10,000 population places the country among global leaders such as Japan (19 per 10,000 population) and Finland (16 per 10,000 population).

Sample Salaries

Salaries for highly trained Jordanian health care professionals are some of the most competitive in the region, and are less susceptible to inflation pressures associated with the MENA region. The following table summarizes the average monthly salaries within the industry:6

Table 2: Healthcare Personnel Salaries scale

6 Source: Private Hospitals Association