Missouri’s latest labor market data offers a mixed but largely stable picture heading into spring 2026. While the state saw a modest decline in overall employment last month, Missouri continues to outperform the nation on key workforce indicators — and that matters for employers and job seekers across our 19-county region.
Here’s a breakdown of what the numbers show and why it matters to you.
Missouri Unemployment Holds Steady at 3.9%
Missouri’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate remained at 3.9 percent in March 2026 — unchanged from February and a full four-tenths of a percentage point below the national rate of 4.3 percent. The state has now maintained an unemployment rate at or below the national average for more than ten consecutive years.
The number of unemployed Missourians declined slightly month-over-month, from 122,477 in February to 122,285 in March.
Missouri also continues to lead the nation in workforce participation. The state’s labor force participation rate was 63.5 percent in March — 1.6 percentage points higher than the national rate of 61.9 percent. Missouri’s employment-population ratio of 61.1 percent similarly outpaced the national figure of 59.2 percent.
Overall Payroll Employment Dipped in March
Missouri’s total nonfarm payroll employment stood at 2,982,500 in March 2026, a decrease of 3,200 jobs from February’s revised figure. That monthly decline was driven almost entirely by private industry, which shed 3,400 jobs. Government employment increased slightly, adding 200 jobs over the month.
Among private sectors, leisure and hospitality was the standout bright spot, gaining 3,000 jobs in March. That gain was offset by declines in professional and business services (-3,500), private education and health services (-900), other services (-800), and trade, transportation, and utilities (-600).
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A Closer Look at the Year-Over-Year Picture
Compared to March 2025, Missouri’s total payroll employment is down by 8,400 jobs. Several sectors have seen notable year-over-year gains, including mining, logging, and construction (+7,800), leisure and hospitality (+7,700), and private education and health services (+2,300).
The largest year-over-year losses were concentrated in professional and business services (-10,400), manufacturing (-4,400), trade, transportation, and utilities (-3,100), and government employment overall (-6,800), which reflects declines at the federal and state levels.
What This Means for Mid-Missouri
Missouri’s labor market remains relatively tight by national standards. A sub-4 percent unemployment rate signals continued demand for workers — and continued need for job seekers and employers alike to connect with available resources.
Whether you are an employer looking to fill open positions, a job seeker navigating a shifting market, or a business owner exploring workforce incentives like on-the-job training reimbursement or tax credits, the Central Workforce Development Region is here to help — at no cost to you.
To view the full March 2026 Missouri Job Report, click here.
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