Missouri closed out 2025 with continued job growth and a slight decline in unemployment, according to the December 2025 Monthly Jobs Report. While overall job gains were modest for the month, the data shows steady year-over-year growth and a labor market that continues to outperform the nation.
Missouri Employment Grows Modestly in December
Missouri’s nonfarm payroll employment increased by 800 jobs in December 2025, bringing total employment to 3,052,800. This reflects a small gain following revisions to November data, which were adjusted downward by 2,300 jobs.
Private industry employment declined by 800 jobs during the month, while government employment increased by 1,600 jobs. Over the past year, Missouri added 52,800 jobs statewide, signaling sustained growth despite month-to-month fluctuations.
Monthly Industry Employment Changes
Goods-producing industries added 700 jobs in December. Growth was driven by mining, logging, and construction, which gained 800 jobs, while manufacturing employment declined slightly.
Private service-providing industries decreased by 1,500 jobs overall. However, several sectors posted gains, including:
- Private education and health services, which added 2,700 jobs
- Information services, up by 600 jobs
- Financial activities, which gained 400 jobs
Job losses occurred in trade, transportation, and utilities, leisure and hospitality, other services, and professional and business services.
Government employment growth was led by local government, which added 2,000 jobs. Federal government employment declined by 400 jobs during the month.
The Workforce Link Podcast offers forward thinking conversations for the workforce, linking employers and job seekers to a brighter tomorrow. Check out the details here…
Year-Over-Year Job Growth Remains Strong
Compared to December 2024, Missouri added 52,800 jobs across all sectors. The largest increases occurred in private education and health services, leisure and hospitality, and construction-related industries.
Government employment also played a significant role in year-over-year growth, with local and state government adding a combined 35,400 jobs. Federal government employment declined over the year.
Some industries experienced year-over-year declines, including trade, transportation, and utilities, manufacturing, and information. These shifts continue to highlight the importance of training and career pathways that align with growing industries.
Unemployment Declines and Remains Below National Average
Missouri’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate declined to 3.9 percent in December 2025, down from 4 percent in November. While slightly higher than one year ago, Missouri’s unemployment rate remains well below the national rate of 4.4 percent.
An estimated 126,420 Missourians were unemployed in December, a decrease of more than 2,400 people from the previous month.
Missouri also continues to outperform the nation in workforce participation. The state’s labor force participation rate and employment-population ratio both exceed national averages, reinforcing Missouri’s long-standing trend of strong workforce engagement.
What This Means for Missouri Communities
As Missouri moves into 2026, the December jobs data points to a steady labor market with ongoing opportunities in health care, construction, hospitality, and public sector employment. Employers continue to face competition for talent, while job seekers can benefit from connecting to training, education, and employment services.
The Central Workforce Development Region remains focused on supporting Missourians through job connections, skill-building opportunities, and employer partnerships that strengthen local communities.
To view the full December 2025 Missouri Job Report, click here.
Employers, need help finding talent? We’d love to help! We have several options available.