Department of Higher Education

The 2019 Missouri Economic and Workforce Report was released today during a presentation at the Governor’s Conference on Economic Development in St. Charles. The report includes economic trends for Missouri, 10 regional spotlights, and a new statewide employer survey.

The report focuses on several notable data points, including Missouri’s top industry job growth, hiring trends, barriers to expanding employment, skill shortages, job applicant shortcomings, and a comparison of metro and non-metro employer responses.

“With an unemployment rate below the national average, it’s clear we have a tight labor market in Missouri,” said Alan Spell, interim assistant commissioner for the Office of Performance & Strategy, Missouri Department of Higher Education & Workforce Development. “We surveyed over 1,600 companies in a mix of industries to further understand what employers are facing and what opportunities workers can expect.”

The Missouri Economic and Workforce Report indicates there are more job openings in Missouri than unemployed people. Recent job growth was strongest in the sectors of manufacturing, health care and social services, and professional services. Regionally, the Ozark and Kansas City areas have seen the strongest employment growth rates over the past few years. Twenty-eight percent of companies indicated a shortage of skilled job applicants.

Data within the report was compiled by the Missouri Economic Research and Information Center (MERIC) and can be found online at https://meric.mo.gov/economic-research/mo-regional-economic-reports.

About the Missouri Department of Higher Education & Workforce Development: The department seeks to empower Missourians with the skills and education needed for success. More information about MDHEWD can be found at https://dhewd.mo.gov or on Facebook and Twitter @MoDHEWD.