In April 2025, Missouri’s labor market experienced a modest decline, with nonfarm payroll employment decreasing by 6,600 jobs compared to March. According to the latest data from the Missouri Department of Higher Education and Workforce Development, the seasonally adjusted unemployment rate inched up to 3.9%, up one-tenth of a point from the previous month.
Employment Trends
Missouri’s total nonfarm employment stood at 2,994,600, following a downward revision of March’s job figures by 5,100. Most of April’s job losses came from the private sector, which shed 6,900 positions. Government employment added 300 jobs, helping offset some of the decline.
- Goods-producing industries lost 600 jobs overall. While construction, mining, and logging saw a small gain of 100 jobs, manufacturing lost 700.
- Private service-providing industries took the largest hit, dropping 6,300 jobs. Sectors affected include:
- Leisure and hospitality (-1,800)
- Other services (-1,100)
- Trade, transportation, and utilities (-1,100)
- Professional and business services (-900)
- Financial activities (-900)
- Information (-700)
- Private education and health services was the only sector to grow, adding 200 jobs.
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Year-Over-Year Snapshot
Despite the monthly setback, Missouri’s job market has still seen modest growth over the past year, with 4,200 jobs added between April 2024 and April 2025.
Industries showing annual growth:
- Private education and health services: +16,600 jobs
- Other services: +1,300 jobs
- Mining, logging, and construction: +600 jobs
Industries with year-over-year declines include:
- Leisure and hospitality: -7,100 jobs
- Trade, transportation, and utilities: -4,400 jobs
- Professional and business services: -2,900 jobs
- Manufacturing: -2,600 jobs
- Information: -2,100 jobs
- Financial activities: -200 jobs
Government employment grew by 5,000 jobs year-over-year, with increases in state and local levels but a drop of 800 federal jobs.
Unemployment Rate and Labor Force Participation
Missouri’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate rose slightly to 3.9% in April. While this is higher than April 2024’s 3.7%, it remains below the national rate of 4.2%, continuing a decade-long trend.
The state’s labor force participation rate was 63.4%, outpacing the national rate of 62.6%. Missouri’s employment-population ratio also remained strong at 60.9%, compared to the national average of 60%.
Interestingly, the not-seasonally-adjusted unemployment rate declined from 4.4% in March to 3.8% in April, suggesting that certain industries may see seasonal recovery heading into summer.
To view the full April 2025 Missouri Job Report, click here.
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