But numbers are still significant
Sonoran news media report that Sonora remains one of the Mexican states with the lowest levels of informal employment. Informal unemployment refers to situations where people are technically working but without formal employment benefits, rights, or protections – essentially working while still being economically vulnerable.
According to data from the National Employment and Occupation Survey (ENOE), 40.8% of the workforce in Sonora worked in informal jobs during the first quarter of 2025, placing the state seventh nationwide. Only six states reported lower rates, including Nuevo León (32.5%), Coahuila, Chihuahua, Baja California, Baja California Sur, and Querétaro.
Despite a slight increase from the previous year (from 40.4% to 40.8%), Sonora maintained its #7 ranking. The rise was more pronounced among women, with 247,900 working informally in early 2025 compared to 228,300 during the same period in 2024.
The reports did not provide context with respect to how informal employment is connected to overall employment statistics.