Missouri employers add fewer jobs in December, unemployment increases

Missouri saw a decrease of 5,000 non-farm jobs in December from November,  according to a recent state jobs report. This is down from the previously-reported addition of 8,200 jobs in November. 

The state’s unemployment rate last month increased slightly to 2.8% from 2.7% in November.

Missouri added a total of 47,600 jobs from December 2021 to December 2022, with the most growth in professional and business services, education and health services and manufacturing. Professional and business services was the industry with the biggest job increase throughout the year, with 14,500 more jobs.

In December, private industry employment decreased by 5,300 jobs. Government employers added 300 jobs. 

Missouri had about 1,500 more unemployed citizens in December than November. The state’s unemployment rate of 2.8% remained lower than the national average of 3.5%.