Missouri experienced a decline in employment during September 2026, but the state continues to show job growth compared to a year ago.
According to the September 2026 Monthly Jobs Report, Missouri lost 10,600 jobs over the month, bringing total nonfarm payroll employment to 3,007,300. The state’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate increased slightly to 3.6 percent, up from 3.5 percent in August.
Despite the monthly decline, Missouri has added 28,400 jobs since September 2025, and its unemployment rate remains below the national average.
Missouri Employment Declines in September
Missouri’s nonfarm payroll employment decreased by 10,600 jobs in September 2026, following revisions to August’s employment figures.
Private industry employment declined by 10,700 jobs, while government employment increased by 100 jobs.
August’s employment total was revised upward by 2,200 jobs from the preliminary estimate, providing an updated comparison for September’s figures.
Although overall employment declined, several industries continued to add jobs during the month.
Which Missouri Industries Gained or Lost Jobs?
Employment changes varied across Missouri’s major industries in September.
Leisure and hospitality led monthly job gains, adding 1,400 positions. Other services gained 600 jobs, while manufacturing added 500 jobs.
Mining, logging, and construction gained 100 jobs, as did the information sector.
However, several industries experienced larger declines:
- Professional and business services lost 5,200 jobs.
- Private education and health services declined by 4,200 jobs.
- Trade, transportation, and utilities lost 2,600 jobs.
- Financial activities decreased by 1,400 jobs.
Overall, goods-producing industries gained 600 jobs, while private service-providing industries declined by 11,300 jobs.
Government employment increased slightly, with local government adding 700 jobs. State government lost 500 jobs, and federal government employment declined by 100 jobs.
Missouri Adds 28,400 Jobs Over the Year
Despite September’s monthly employment decline, Missouri continues to report positive year-over-year job growth.
From September 2025 to September 2026, the state gained 28,400 jobs.
Leisure and hospitality led annual growth with 13,900 additional jobs, followed by mining, logging, and construction with 8,800 jobs.
Private education and health services added 6,800 jobs, while trade, transportation, and utilities gained 2,000 positions.
Manufacturing also recorded an increase of 400 jobs over the year.
Not every sector experienced growth. Financial activities declined by 900 jobs, while government employment decreased by 2,800 jobs, largely due to reductions in federal employment.
The annual figures show that Missouri’s employment remains above September 2025 levels, even with the latest monthly decline.
Missouri Unemployment Rate Rises to 3.6%
Missouri’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate increased by one-tenth of a percentage point in September 2026, rising from 3.5 percent in August to 3.6 percent.
The rate remains lower than the 3.9 percent recorded in September 2025.
The estimated number of unemployed Missourians increased to 113,644 in September, up by 1,229 from August’s revised total of 112,415.
While unemployment increased slightly over the month, Missouri continues to maintain a lower unemployment rate than the nation.
Missouri Continues to Outperform National Workforce Averages
Missouri’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate of 3.6 percent remained below the national rate of 4.2 percent in September. According to the report, Missouri has maintained an unemployment rate at or below the national average for more than 11 years.
The state’s labor force participation rate also remained higher than the national average. Missouri recorded a participation rate of 63.3 percent, compared to 61.8 percent nationally.
The employment-population ratio, which measures the percentage of the working-age population that is employed, was 61.1 percent in Missouri, compared to 59.2 percent nationwide.
These figures provide additional context for understanding Missouri’s workforce beyond monthly job gains and losses.
Connecting Mid-Missouri Job Seekers and Employers
Missouri’s latest employment figures highlight the importance of helping job seekers navigate changing opportunities while supporting employers as they build and strengthen their workforce.
For individuals exploring new careers or looking for employment, workforce services can provide valuable assistance with job searches, career planning, training, and skill development.
Employers can also benefit from recruitment assistance, workforce training programs, and resources designed to help businesses find and retain qualified employees.
The Central Workforce Development Region serves job seekers and employers across 19 counties in Central Missouri through its Job Centers, satellite locations, and workforce development partnerships.
Whether you’re looking for your next opportunity or working to grow your business, we’re here to help.
Visit cwdregion.com to explore available workforce services.
Read the Full September 2026 Missouri Jobs Report
The September 2026 Monthly Jobs Report is published by the Missouri Economic Research and Information Center (MERIC).
To view the full September 2026 Missouri Job Report, click here.
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