Missouri experienced a positive shift in its job market in November 2025, adding a total of 5,500 jobs compared to the previous month. The report, released by the Missouri Department of Higher Education & Workforce Development, indicates that the state’s nonfarm payroll employment rose, contributing to a slight decrease in the unemployment rate, which fell to 4 percent from 4.1 percent in September 2025.
Sector Performance and Job Growth
The report highlights that of the 5,500 jobs added, 4,100 were in the private sector, while government employment saw an increase of 1,400 positions. Despite challenges posed by a recent federal government shutdown that delayed data collection, the findings offer a clear comparison of November’s labor force metrics against September’s, adjusted for seasonal variations.
Notably, the goods-producing sector, which encompasses mining, logging, and construction, was particularly robust, contributing 4,400 jobs over the month. Manufacturing alone accounted for 1,300 positions. Conversely, the private service-providing industries faced setbacks, losing 300 jobs. The leisure and hospitality sector was especially hard hit, shedding 4,000 jobs between October and November.
Despite these losses, gains in other sectors helped mitigate the overall impact. Professional and business services added 2,400 jobs, while financial activities increased by 800 jobs. Other services saw an increase of 700 jobs, and private education and health services contributed an additional 600 jobs to the total.
Unemployment Rate and Labor Force Participation
The 4 percent unemployment rate in November marks a notable year-over-year increase from 3.6 percent in November 2024. The total number of unemployed individuals in Missouri stood at 129,139, reflecting a decrease of 2,669 from September’s count of 131,808.
Missouri’s labor force participation rate was recorded at 63.9 percent, surpassing the national average of 62.5 percent. The employment-population ratio was reported at 61.3 percent, which is significantly higher than the national figure of 59.6 percent. This persistent trend of lower unemployment rates compared to the national average has been evident in Missouri for over a decade, indicating a stable labor market that continues to grow despite fluctuations in certain sectors.
The growth in employment and the gradual decline in the unemployment rate point to a resilient job market in Missouri, setting a positive outlook for the state’s economic future.
