Missouri Adds 2,100 Jobs in August as Unemployment Rate Falls to 3.5%

Missouri's economy experienced growth in August, adding 2,100 nonfarm payroll jobs and lowering the state's unemployment rate to 3.5%. This marks a significant decrease from the national average of 4.1% and continues a streak of over 11 years where Missouri has matched or beaten the country's jobless rate.

The total nonfarm payroll employment reached 3,015,700 in August, up from a revised July figure that was adjusted downward by 1,300 jobs. Private industry accounted for the month's gains, adding 2,400 jobs, while government employment declined by 300 jobs.

Goods-producing industries grew by 1,200 jobs over the month, driven by a 2,200-job increase in mining, logging, and construction that was partly offset by a 1,000-job decline in manufacturing. Private service-providing industries also grew by 1,200 jobs, with gains in various sectors.