Missouri’s labor market saw a decrease in total employment in February 2026, while the unemployment rate held steady. The latest Monthly Jobs Report highlights changes across key industries and offers insight into where Missouri’s workforce is gaining and where it is adjusting.
For job seekers, employers, and workforce partners, this data provides a clear view of current conditions and where opportunities may be emerging.
Employment Declines in February
Missouri’s nonfarm payroll employment decreased by 8,600 jobs in February 2026, bringing total employment to 2,986,100. This follows a slight downward revision to January’s figures.
Private industry employment declined by 9,400 jobs during the month, while government employment increased by 800 jobs. Despite the monthly decline, Missouri has still added 1,500 jobs over the past year.
Industry Trends: Gains and Losses Across Sectors
Employment changes in February varied widely by industry.
Goods-producing industries lost 1,900 jobs overall. Manufacturing posted a gain of 2,300 jobs, but this was offset by a significant decline in mining, logging, and construction.
Private service-providing industries saw the largest impact, losing 7,500 jobs. Several sectors experienced declines, including:
- Private education and health services (-4,900)
- Professional and business services (-2,300)
- Financial activities (-1,300)
- Information (-300)
At the same time, some industries added jobs:
- Trade, transportation, and utilities (+600)
- Leisure and hospitality (+600)
- Other services (+100)
Government employment increased modestly, with gains across state, local, and federal levels.
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Year-Over-Year Growth Remains Positive
Over the past year, Missouri added 1,500 jobs. The largest gains occurred in mining, logging, and construction, followed by leisure and hospitality and private education and health services.
Some industries experienced declines over the year, including professional and business services, manufacturing, and trade, transportation, and utilities. Government employment also declined overall compared to February 2025.
These trends reflect ongoing shifts in workforce demand and reinforce the need for training and career pathways that align with in-demand industries.
Unemployment Rate Holds Steady
Missouri’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate remained at 3.9 percent in February 2026. This is slightly lower than the same time last year and continues a long-standing trend of Missouri maintaining a lower unemployment rate than the national average.
The estimated number of unemployed Missourians decreased to 122,487, down by 781 from January.
Missouri continues to outperform the nation in key workforce indicators. The state’s labor force participation rate and employment-population ratio both remain higher than national averages, showing strong workforce engagement across communities.
What This Means for Missouri’s Workforce
February’s data shows a labor market that is adjusting, with declines in some sectors balanced by growth in others. For job seekers, this is a reminder to stay flexible and explore opportunities in industries that continue to expand.
For employers, the data reflects ongoing challenges in finding and retaining workers in a shifting economy.
To view the full February 2026 Missouri Job Report, click here.
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