Central Missouri’s workforce is expected to grow faster than the statewide average over the next decade, according to new occupational projections shared by the Missouri Economic Research and Information Center (MERIC).
Veronica Gielazauskas, Assistant Commissioner for Performance and Strategy and MERIC with the Missouri Department of Higher Education and Workforce Development (MDHEWD), presented the findings during the Central Workforce Development Board’s Annual Joint Meeting on October 21, 2026, at Old Kinderhook Resort in Camdenton.
The presentation examined the region’s employment trends, leading industries, educational attainment, commuting patterns, current job demand, and projected occupational growth through 2034.
The findings point to continued opportunities for job seekers and employers while reinforcing the importance of workforce training, education, and regional partnerships.
Central Missouri Employment Expected to Grow 4.85%
MERIC’s 2024–2034 occupational projections estimate that employment in the Central Workforce Development Region will increase by 4.85%, compared with Missouri’s projected statewide growth rate of 3.2%.
The region is expected to add about 15,471 jobs over the decade, raising employment from 319,023 in 2024 to 334,494 in 2034.
MERIC also projects approximately 36,102 annual occupational openings across the Central Region. These openings include positions created through employment growth, workers leaving the labor force, and employees moving into different occupations.
For job seekers, these projections point to opportunities across a variety of career fields. For employers, they reinforce the need to attract, develop, and retain skilled workers.
Health Care Leads Regional Employment and Growth
Health care and social assistance continues to play a significant role in Central Missouri’s economy.
According to MERIC’s industry employment data from the third quarter of 2025, health care and social assistance accounted for an average of 34,373 jobs across 4,295 establishments, making it the region’s largest industry by average employment.
Retail trade followed with 35,133 jobs, while accommodation and food services accounted for 30,341 jobs. Manufacturing also remained an important part of the regional economy, employing an average of 26,642 workers.
Looking ahead, health care occupations are expected to experience some of the region’s strongest growth.
From 2024 to 2034, MERIC projects:
- Healthcare practitioners and technical occupations will grow by approximately 10.48%.
- Healthcare support occupations will grow by approximately 9.48%.
- Food preparation and serving occupations will grow by approximately 8.23%.
- Architecture and engineering occupations will grow by approximately 7.97%.
- Management occupations will grow by approximately 7.83%.
These projections highlight opportunities in both direct patient care and the supporting occupations that help businesses and communities operate.
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Thousands of Job Openings Expected Each Year
While employment growth creates new positions, many job openings also result from retirements and workers changing careers.
MERIC identified several occupational groups expected to generate significant annual openings in the Central Region between 2024 and 2034.
| Occupational Group | Projected Annual Openings |
|---|---|
| Food Preparation and Serving | 5,287 |
| Office and Administrative Support | 4,141 |
| Transportation and Material Moving | 3,406 |
| Sales and Related | 3,044 |
| Healthcare Support | 2,271 |
These occupations represent a range of career pathways, including positions that require short-term training, industry-recognized credentials, apprenticeships, or postsecondary education.
MERIC also highlighted career opportunities at different levels of preparation, from entry-level positions to occupations requiring advanced education or specialized training.
For Missourians considering a career change or entering the workforce, understanding these pathways can help identify training opportunities that align with employer demand.
Commuting Patterns Highlight Regional Workforce Connections
The Central Workforce Development Region serves 19 counties with diverse industries, communities, and employment needs.
MERIC’s presentation demonstrated how closely connected those counties are through commuting patterns.
In several counties, most employed residents commute outside their home county for work.
For example:
- Maries County: 86% of employed residents work outside the county.
- Washington County: 78%.
- Howard County: 73%.
- Miller County: 73%.
- Callaway County: 70%.
The data also showed a net outflow of 4,252 workers from the Central Region.
These patterns demonstrate why workforce development requires regional collaboration. Job opportunities, training programs, transportation needs, and employer recruitment often extend beyond county boundaries.
Understanding where people live and work can help workforce partners better connect residents with available opportunities.
Education and Training Remain Important to Workforce Growth
MERIC also examined educational attainment across the region, identifying differences among counties.
According to 2024 American Community Survey five-year estimates, approximately 40,800 Central Region residents age 25 and older have less than a high school diploma.
The presentation also highlighted variations in educational attainment, including Boone County, where 51.5% of residents age 25 and older hold a bachelor’s degree or higher.
These differences reinforce the importance of offering multiple pathways to employment.
Not every career requires a four-year degree. Many occupations offer opportunities through apprenticeships, technical training, certifications, work experience, and other education options.
Connecting job seekers with the right training and helping employers identify the skills they need will remain important as the region’s economy continues to evolve.
Preparing Central Missouri for the Future
MERIC’s findings provide a valuable picture of Central Missouri’s current workforce and the opportunities expected over the next decade.
With regional employment projected to grow faster than the statewide average, workforce partners have an opportunity to help Missourians prepare for in-demand careers while supporting employers facing changing labor needs.
The Central Workforce Development Region remains committed to strengthening communities through workforce development efforts.
Job seekers interested in exploring career opportunities, training assistance, or employment services can learn more here…
Employers can also access workforce services designed to support recruitment, hiring, and employee development.
Learn more about available services at cwdregion.com.