Purpose of the research is to identify key trends and specifics of the formation of the labor market, as well as to develop recommendations for increasing employment in single-industry towns of industrial and raw materials type of the Republic of Kazakhstan.Methodology. The following scientific methods are used in the work: statistical observation; comparative analysis; synthesis; grouping of statistical observation materials.Originality / value of the research. The value of this study is to identify the key trends in the formation of the labor market in single-industry towns of the Republic of Kazakhstan, which made it possible to determine the directions of improving the sphere of employment and employment in these types of cities.Findings. A study of the labor market in single-industry towns in Kazakhstan revealed a decrease in the population in these cities from 2017 to 2021. There is a decrease in the share of residents of single-industry towns in the total population of the country. The analysis showed that single-industry towns can be divided into four groups: large cities (Temirtau, Ekibastuz, Rudny), cities with a population of about 50-70 thousand people (Kentau, Balkhash, Zhanaozen, Kulsary, Aksu, Stepnogorsk), cities with a population of 20 to 50 thousand people (Khromtau, Tekeli, Aksai, Zhanatas, Karatau, Saran, Shakhtinsk, Abay, Arkalyk, Lisakovsk, Zhitikara, Altai), and a group of small single-industry towns (Kurchatov, Karazhal, Serebryansk). Temirtau, Ekibastuz and Rudny are the leaders in terms of the number of employed and unemployed and also have the largest population in the general sense. To ensure employment and sustainable development of single-industry towns in Kazakhstan, it is necessary to continue work on diversifying the economy, reducing dependence on prices for raw materials and developing small and medium-sized businesses. An important role is played by effective public administration in the development of single-industry towns and the digitalization of production.
