The wage gap between regular and non-regular workers has reached a record high of 1.94 million won per month. The number and proportion of non-regular workers have also hit an all-time high, with particular concern over the increase among those aged 60 and older. While employment indicators show job growth, a closer look reveals an expansion of low-wage and unstable jobs. This data highlights the deterioration in job quality and the stark reality of income polarization obscured by quantitative employment growth.
According to the National Data Agency's recent 'August 2026 Economic Activity Population Survey Supplementary Investigation by Employment Type,' the number of non-regular workers stands at 8.671 million, an increase of 103,000 from the previous year. They now account for 38.5% of all wage workers. In contrast, the number of regular workers increased by only 10,000 during the same period. Of the 113,000 newly added wage workers, approximately 91% are non-regular workers, which raises concerns about the nature of job growth.
The wage disparity is even more alarming. The average monthly wage for regular workers is 4.052 million won, up by 156,000 won from last year, while non-regular workers saw only a 24,000 won increase to 2.112 million won. The wage gap has widened from 1.808 million won last year to 1.94 million won this year. This disparity is partly influenced by the higher proportion of part-time workers and older individuals. Excluding part-time workers, the average monthly wage for non-regular workers is 3.098 million won, indicating a reduced gap. However, the growing income disparity within the labor market should not be taken lightly.
Notably, the increase in non-regular workers among the elderly is concerning. There are 3.18 million non-regular workers aged 60 and older, making up 36.7% of the total. This group has grown by 135,000 in just one year. This trend reflects the reality that more elderly individuals must remain in the labor market for financial reasons after retirement. In a situation where the income security system for the elderly is insufficient, if the available jobs are concentrated in low-wage, short-term, or part-time positions, breaking the cycle of poverty in old age becomes increasingly difficult. The rising employment rate among the elderly should not be immediately equated with stability in their retirement lives.
Income polarization extends beyond mere wage differences. There are significant disparities in job security, retirement benefits, bonuses, and social insurance between regular and non-regular workers. In fact, the survey revealed that only 36.5% of non-regular workers are enrolled in the National Pension, and just 54% are covered by employment insurance. The rates for receiving retirement benefits and bonuses are only 45.7% and 39.2%, respectively. This indicates that the current income gap could lead to future disparities in pensions and assets.
The widening income gap also undermines the foundation of economic growth. The weakening purchasing power of low-income individuals leads to reduced consumption, which in turn hampers domestic demand and diminishes corporate investment and hiring capacity. The ability to consume, save, and accumulate assets will increasingly diverge between those with stable incomes and employment and those without.
The government must shift its focus from merely increasing the number of jobs to creating quality jobs that utilize the experience and skills of the elderly. It should not stop at expanding short-term financial support jobs but should enhance continuous employment and re-employment support based on job roles and improve the income security system for the elderly.
Even if the number of working individuals increases, if stable living and retirement preparation cannot be achieved solely through earned income, it cannot be considered a healthy labor market. Particularly in a rapidly aging society, the rise of low-wage non-regular jobs should not be dismissed as an inevitable phenomenon. The government and political circles must take the warning of the largest wage gap in history seriously. A labor market where escaping poverty is difficult, even with work, cannot overcome income polarization or the cycle of low growth.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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