Missouri’s economy saw continued growth in July 2025 with an increase in jobs, though unemployment also edged slightly higher. According to the latest Missouri Monthly Jobs Report from the Missouri Economic Research and Information Center (MERIC), nonfarm payroll employment grew by 17,100 jobs last month, while the state’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate rose by one-tenth of a percentage point to 4.1 percent.
Employment in Missouri: July 2025
Missouri’s total nonfarm payroll employment reached 3,029,400 in July 2025, reflecting steady progress despite a downward revision of 2,500 jobs to the June estimate.
- Goods-producing industries: Down 200 jobs overall. Manufacturing added 1,200 jobs, but mining, logging, and construction declined by 1,400.
- Private service-providing industries: Up 7,000 jobs. Growth came from trade, transportation, and utilities (+4,000); leisure and hospitality (+2,800); professional and business services (+600); other services (+500); and private education and health services (+100). Declines were seen in information (-900) and financial activities (-100).
- Government employment: Up 10,300 jobs. Local government gained 10,000 jobs, state government added 400, while federal government dropped by 100.
Year-over-Year Employment Growth
Compared to July 2024, Missouri added 49,300 jobs over the past year. Key highlights include:
- Private education and health services: +24,800 jobs
- Leisure and hospitality: +9,300 jobs
- Manufacturing: +5,000 jobs
- Construction and related industries: +3,600 jobs
- Other services: +1,400 jobs
Sectors that declined year-over-year include information (-3,800), professional and business services (-3,300), financial activities (-1,300), and trade, transportation, and utilities (-700). Government employment rose by 14,300 jobs, largely from local government hiring.
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Unemployment Rate in Missouri: July 2025
Missouri’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate stood at 4.1 percent in July 2025, slightly above June’s 4.0 percent and three-tenths of a point higher than a year ago.
- The number of unemployed Missourians was estimated at 129,776, up from 127,570 in June.
- The not-seasonally-adjusted unemployment rate increased to 4.7 percent in July, compared to 4.4 percent in June and 4.3 percent one year ago.
- Nationally, the not-seasonally-adjusted unemployment rate was 4.6 percent, keeping Missouri just below the national average.
Missouri vs. National Labor Market
Missouri continues to outpace the nation in labor force engagement:
- Labor force participation rate: 63.5% in Missouri vs. 62.2% nationally
- Employment-population ratio: 60.9% in Missouri vs. 59.6% nationally
- Unemployment rate: 4.1% in Missouri vs. 4.2% nationally
Notably, Missouri’s unemployment rate has remained at or below the national rate for more than 10 years, highlighting the state’s resilient labor market.
The July 2025 Missouri Jobs Report paints a mixed but largely positive picture. Job growth continues, especially in education, health services, and leisure and hospitality, while manufacturing shows resilience. However, the small uptick in unemployment signals challenges in some industries, particularly information and professional services.
To view the full July 2025 Missouri Job Report, click here.
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