Missouri’s economy saw a modest boost in May 2025 with the addition of 3,700 nonfarm payroll jobs, according to the latest report from the Missouri Department of Higher Education & Workforce Development. However, the state’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate also rose slightly, ticking up to 4 percent from April’s 3.9 percent.
Private sector jobs accounted for the bulk of the gains, adding 3,600 positions, while government employment grew by 100 jobs. Leading the monthly growth were goods-producing sectors, particularly construction and manufacturing, which added a combined 3,200 jobs. In the service sector, notable increases were seen in trade, transportation, leisure and hospitality, and education and health services.
Despite monthly gains, year-over-year data shows mixed results. Missouri added 10,900 jobs compared to May 2024, but also experienced declines in key sectors like professional and business services, leisure and hospitality, and information. Government employment saw a healthy increase of 5,200 jobs over the year.
The state’s labor force participation rate stood at 63.4 percent in May, above the national rate of 62.4 percent. Missouri’s unemployment rate has remained at or below the national rate for more than a decade.
Read the full report at: meric.mo.gov/missouri-monthly-jobs-report.
