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
Osage County Maintains Certified Work Ready Community Status
Osage County has once again demonstrated its commitment to workforce excellence. County Clerk Brooke Dudenhoeffer recently accepted the Certified Work Ready Community award for Program Year 2025, recognizing the county’s ongoing investment in building a skilled, job-ready workforce.
CWDB Member Tamara Tateosian Appointed to Missouri State Workforce Development Board
Congratulations to CWDB member Tamara Tateosian, CEO of the Callaway Chamber of Commerce, on her appointment to the Missouri State Workforce Development Board — confirmed by the Missouri Senate on April 15, 2026.
When the Plan Changes: Building Adaptability Into Your Work
Change is not the exception in workforce development — it is part of the job. Here is how Central Region team members can build adaptability into their work and stay grounded in the mission when circumstances shift.
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.
Episode 82: Why Job Descriptions Are Scaring Away Good Candidates
Is your job description driving away top talent? In Episode 82 of The Workforce Link Podcast, we break down why job descriptions are quietly scaring away good candidates and six practical things you can do right now to fix them.