One expert is warning the job market won't get easier any time soon.

The latest Stats NZ data shows the unemployment rate has reached an almost nine-year high of 5.3 percent in the September quarter.

That's 160,000 people looking for a job, and another 138,000 wanting more work.

Infometrics principal economist Nick Brunsdon says we're on the cusp of a recovery - but not a quick one.

"Our forecast is for it to hit 4.6 by the end of next year - and that's not a low unemployment rate by any means. It's still gonna be pretty uncomfortable."

LISTEN ABOVE

• Unemployment hits 8-year high - 160,000 Kiwis out of work