Do People Make Money In Jamaica?
8 Common Jobs In Jamaica

Do People Make Money In Jamaica? | Streetfood Vendor

by Venesha Johnson | Associate Writer

Jamaicans have a hustling mentality. They are the type of people to do what they need to do to get what they need regardless of what it takes. Here, there is no shame in getting up and picking some fruits from your backyard, probably your neighbour's backyard, and taking it to your community square to get some emergency funds.

Often time you will hear companies advertising job fairs on the radio or car speakers driving through busy towns. But why are there so many people still out of a job? there is no scarcity of labour in Jamaica, firms lament the difficulty in finding educated and skilled personnel.

Only 9.8% of working men had a university degree, compared to 21.3% of employed women, according to the Statistical Institute of Jamaica (Statin) in 2020. The Statin survey also showed that over 462,400, or 68%, of men in the labour force who are employed, lack formal education.

In addition, the survey revealed that 266 100 or 48% of women lacked formal education.

In the Western Hemisphere, the Caribbean continues to have the lowest percentage of its population with access to university education. Only 15% of the workforce in Jamaica has a tertiary degree, and only 19% of those aged 19 to 24 are presently enrolled in tertiary education.

Even those with tertiary education and professional skill certifications opt to stay away from certain job offers, mostly because the pay rates can be so meagre in a country where the cost of living tends to be quite high.

Instead many choose to venture off and do their own thing. Some of the most common jobs in Jamaica are:

Sky Juice Vendor

1. Taxi- taxi driving is a very lucrative business in jamaica. On one hand, you have those who purchase their vehicles and give them to drivers, in return for a weekly fee, and on the other hand, some own their cars and work strictly for themselves.
   
   Taxis once registered with the transport authority are given a red plate that indicates that it is a public vehicle and drivers receive a uniform. However, there are also robot taxis which are not registered and don’t carry a red plate.
   
   
2. Cookshop- you may know all about fancy restaurants, but for most locals, those are for just special occasions. Cookshops are the go-to for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Most cookshops are run by individuals from within the same communities they operate.
   
   
3. Farming- farming is a primary source of income for many Jamaicans, young and old. Many sell their products to local community members, markets in major towns and even to hotels and major restaurants.
   
   
4. Higglers- in Jamaica higglers are referred to as persons who walk around, selling little knickknacks that you use daily. You name it, you will find higglers who sell it.
   
   
5. Food vendors- you will find food vendors scattered all over the towns some selling jerk chicken or pork, soups, grilled fish, nuts, sandwiches and so much more.
   
   
6. Construction workers- this is who Jamaicans refer to as “ workmen”. They are the ones who do the odd jobs on construction sites, such as carrying materials, mixing concrete and so much more.
   
   
7. Craft market- craft market vendors are usually found in local craft markets or walking the streets of the major tourist towns, Montego Bay, Ocho Rios and Negril. They usually sell a variety of craft items from beaded braces and chains, to wooden crafts, crochet clothing and much more.
   
   
8. Fishermen- fishing is a significant career for many locals and most supply individuals in their surroundings.

Sharing IS Caring! Please help me get the message out by sharing this article with your friends on social media (links below). Thnx ;-)

If you found this page useful, please consider subscribing to my weekly newsletter, to get even more. 

It tells you each week about the new information that I have added, including new developments and great stories from lovers of Jamaica! 

Return to How Does Jamaica Make Money? from Do People Make Money In Jamaica?
Return to My Island Jamaica Homepage from Do People Make Money In Jamaica?

References & Sources For Do People Make Money In Jamaica?

1. Now you can read the Jamaica Observer ePaper anytime (2022) Losing talent, Jamaica Observer. Jamaica Observer. Available at: https://www.jamaicaobserver.com/business/losing-talent/#:~:text=In%202020%2C%20the%20Statistical%20Institute,in%20the%20employed%20labour%20force (Accessed: November 14, 2022).
2. A very high percentage of Jamaicans have no access to tertiary education (2018) Lead Stories | Jamaica Gleaner. Available at: https://jamaica-gleaner.com/article/lead-stories/20180108/very-high-percentage-jamaicans-have-no-access-tertiary-education (Accessed: November 14, 2022).

Do People Make Money In Jamaica | Written: November 15, 2022

New! Comments

Have your say about what you just read! Leave me a comment in the box below.

Back To The Top Of This Page

New! Get My Latest Book👇🏿

You asked, I've answered! You no longer need to save for months or years, to enjoy paradise! JAMAICA On A Budget is your passport to experiencing what I call 'The Real Jamaica' on a budget! I spilled the beans! sharing my top tips on finding cozy accommodations and secret gems, only the way a native could! Click Here to pick it up on my e-store and start saving now!

See The Best Of Jamaica - In Videos!

My channel reaches over 140,000 subscribers worldwide and has leveraged over 11 million views, sharing, what I call 'The Real Jamaica'. Subscribe today and join our family of viewers.

Read More ...

New! Experience The REAL Jamaica!
Book Your Private Tour here and experience Jamaica the way we (locals) do!

---

P.S. Didn't find what you were looking for? 
Still need help?

Click Here to try our dependable and effective Site Search tool. It works!

Or, simply click here and here, to browse my library of over 500 questions and answers! Chances are someone already asked (and got an answer to) your question.

---

SHOP JAMAICAN Book Local Tours

Book Your Vacation Travel TIPS and Cautions

Watch My Videos!

Featured Video!

Travelling To Jamaica? 

Read this BEFORE you go

👇🏿

Recent Articles

• 
• 
• 

1. 101 Medicinal Herbs Of Jamaica- Top Natural Healing Herbs Of Jamaica

   Nov 20, 24 09:27 PM

   
   Here they are! The top 101 medicinal herbs of Jamaica. These ancient wonders that have provided effective natural healing from our parents and fore-parents. Ready?

   Read More

2. Does Jamaica Recognize Common Law Marriage?

   Nov 20, 24 11:50 AM

   
   To marry or not to marry? Once frowned upon, there’s much more leniency for common-law relationships these days. Does Jamaica Recognize Common Law Marriage?

   Read More

3. Can Jamaican Black Castor Oil Be Used On Your Face?

   Nov 19, 24 05:29 PM

   
   We have long discovered the great benefits of castor oil for our hair. But can Jamaican Black Castor oil be used on your face?

   Read More

4. Jamaica4-H Clubs Embrace Technology to Engage Youth

   Nov 16, 24 11:14 PM

   The Jamaica 4-H Clubs are taking significant steps to integrate technology into their agricultural initiatives, aiming to captivate and involve more young

   Read More

5. Jamaica Aims to Lead Global Health and Wellness Tourism

   Nov 16, 24 11:10 PM

   Tourism Minister Edmund Bartlett has announced plans to position Jamaica as a premier global destination for health and wellness tourism. The island’s

   Read More