New federal data shows continued Missouri job expansion

Missouri led the nation in rate of employment growth last year

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. — The Missouri Chamber of Commerce and Industry is celebrating continued economic progress across the state, as new federal data shows consistent job growth and a competitive unemployment rate compared to the rest of the nation.

Missouri posted the fastest job growth rate in the U.S. in 2025, expanding employment by 1.7%. Missouri’s nonfarm payroll employment increased by 800 jobs in December 2025, bringing total employment in the state to 3,052,800. The state has added 52,800 jobs since December 2024, a clear signal that Missouri’s economy has strengthened and expanded.

“There is strong upward momentum right now in Missouri,” said Kara Corches, president and CEO of the Missouri Chamber. “With more than 52,000 jobs added over the past year and an unemployment rate that continues to outperform the nation, Missouri is proving that a strong business climate delivers real results. We appreciate Gov. Mike Kehoe and the General Assembly’s commitment to job creation and economic expansion. The Missouri Chamber will continue to analyze trends and advocate for policies that strengthen workforce development and encourage continued investment across the state.”

Strong Job Growth

Since December 2024, Missouri has added 52,800 jobs statewide. The largest gains occurred in:

• Private education and health services (+13,600)
• Leisure and hospitality (+12,100)
• Mining, logging and construction (+8,500)
• Financial activities (+1,800)
• Professional and business services (+1,200)

Unemployment Remains Below National Average

Missouri’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate declined to 3.9 percent in December 2025, down from 4.0 percent in November. While slightly higher than December 2024’s 3.6 percent rate, Missouri continues to outperform the nation, with the state unemployment rate half a percent below the national rate of 4.4 percent.

The state’s labor force participation rate of 64 percent remains well above the national average of 62.4 percent, and Missouri’s employment-population ratio also exceeds the U.S. rate.

Missouri’s unemployment rate has remained at or below the national rate for more than a decade, underscoring the state’s long-term economic competitiveness.

The Missouri Chamber of Commerce and Industry is the largest business association in Missouri. Together with the Missouri Chamber Federation, the Missouri Chamber represents more than 75,000 employers. To learn more, go to www.mochamber.com, or follow us @MissouriChamber on Twitter.

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