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Central Region Labor Market Information

The Central Region is comprised of 19 counties. In addition to the state capital, Jefferson City, the region also includes the cities of Columbia and Rolla, which are home to University of Missouri campuses. In 2023, per capita personal income of the region was $50,714 and estimated population was 703,053. The average annual wage for all occupations in the Central Region in 2023 was $51,646.

Central Region Workforce Insights

The Central Region of Missouri showcases a vibrant workforce of over 319,000 individuals, contributing significantly to the state’s economic landscape. This diverse labor pool is characterized by a balanced gender distribution, low unemployment rates, and a commitment to educational advancement.

Total Workforce 2023

2023 Regional Average Unemployment Rate

55 & Older Workforce Age

Central Region Employment Statistics

The Central Region of Missouri leads with a robust healthcare sector, employing over 46,200 individuals as of 2023.

Healthcare Industry Growth

Retail Trade Employment

Educational Services Expansion

Accommodation and Food Services Increase

Central Region Real Time Labor Market Summary

Real Time Job Summary Dashboard

This analysis uses data from the Lightcast™ tool, which aggregates job postings from over 35,000 sources, including job boards, newspapers, and employer websites. The Missouri Economic Research and Information Center (MERIC) utilizes this data to create reports on the state and regional labor markets. While it provides an overview of hiring activity and labor demand, it excludes job openings filled through other networks.

Career Grades Overview

The Central Workforce Development Region offers a comprehensive analysis of career opportunities, highlighting the potential for growth and prosperity in various occupations. By evaluating job openings, growth rates, and wages, we provide a clear picture of the region’s economic landscape.

Grade A - $60,928 Average Wage

Grade B - $46,861 Average Wage

Grade C - $37,035 Average Wage

Projections & Demographics

2022-2032 Occupation Projections

The Central Region Occupational Projections 2022-2032 offers detailed data on employment trends, including wage projections, annual job openings, and growth rates categorized by skill levels (NOW, NEXT, LATER) for various occupations.

WIOA County Demographics

The WIOA County Demographics for the Central Region provide detailed insights into workforce characteristics, including population, labor force participation, and educational attainment, tailored for workforce planning under the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA). 

Central Region News

High School Student Balances Leadership, Learning, and Work (Katie’s Success Story)

High school student Katie Carpenter builds confidence and career skills through a youth work experience program in St. James, Missouri.

Missouri Sees Slight Job Loss and Unemployment Uptick in April 2025

Missouri lost 6,600 jobs in April 2025, with unemployment ticking up to 3.9%. See what’s driving the changes across industries.

Building the Future of Early Childhood Education in Callaway County

A new youth apprenticeship program in Callaway County is training high school students for early education careers through hands-on experience and community support.

Supporting the Class of 2025 Into the Workforce

Discover how Missouri Job Centers help new graduates transition from school to career—featuring Dylan Green’s journey from student to master welder.

From Army MP to Federal Detective: Taylor Cortez’s Civilian Career Takeoff

Army veteran Taylor Cortez transitions from military police to federal detective with JVSG support and a clear career goal in forensics.

Honoring Wayne Houtman for a Dedicated Career of Service in the Central Region 

After 17 years of service, Wayne Houtman retires from DHEWD, leaving a lasting impact on Veterans and workforce development in Missouri.

Missouri’s March 2025 Jobs Report: Employment Growth Continues Despite Slight Uptick in Unemployment

Missouri added 13,900 jobs in March 2025. See which industries grew, how unemployment shifted, and what it means for job seekers and employers.

MDHEWD Launches Free Courses to Help Missourians Find and Prepare for Jobs, Build Personal Finance Skills

Free Coursera courses from MDHEWD help Missourians build job readiness and financial skills with flexible, self-paced learning.

Madison Knierim Becomes an LPN with Help from the Good Jobs Challenge Grant

Discover how Madison Knierim became an LPN with support from Missouri’s Good Jobs Challenge Grant and achieved her nursing career goals.

MDHEWD Highlights Free Resources for Students and Job Seekers in Honor of Financial Literacy Month

Celebrate Financial Literacy Month with MDHEWD’s free tools to help Missourians budget, plan, and succeed in education and career goals.

Tune into the podcast

The Workforce Link Podcast with Sundi Jo Graham

The Workforce Link Podcast offers forward thinking conversations for the workforce, linking employers and job seekers to a brighter tomorrow. 

Hosted by Sundi Jo Graham from the Central Workforce Development Board, The Workforce Link covers job searching, resume and interview tips, leadership, personal development, and features interviews with industry leaders from the private and public sectors.

1107 Kingshighway, Rolla, MO 65401

(573) 426-6030

In accordance with 29 CFR 38.9 (g)(3), Limited English Proficient (LEP) individuals will receive language assistance in all communications of vital information.

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EO Officer - Korin Thurman

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