North Region

In 2023, the region employed over 241,000 workers, making up 8.1% of Missouri’s workforce. The labor force is aging, with 25.3% of workers aged 55 and older. Educational attainment is lower than the state average, with only 28.3% holding an associate degree or higher. The unemployment rate matched Missouri’s 3.0%, while 13.4% of the working-age population has a disability, higher than state and national averages.

Manufacturing and healthcare were the largest industries in 2023, each employing about 28,000 people. Though the region lost over 3,100 jobs from 2019 to 2023, employment rose 1.2% from 2022 to 2023. Construction saw the highest job growth, while public administration and food services declined. Projected growth is strongest in social assistance, metal manufacturing, and warehousing, with high industry concentrations in gasoline stations and food manufacturing.

Job openings will be highest in entry-level roles like cashiers and home health aides, while mid-level jobs such as truck drivers and skilled trades will also see demand. High-skill occupations like registered nurses and general managers are projected to grow. Online job postings show strong demand for truck drivers, retail workers, and healthcare professionals, with future employment growth expected in social assistance, manufacturing, and technical services.