Missouri unemployment rate flat in May

Missouri's unemployment rate was flat in May, according to the latest data released this month by the Missouri Economic Research and Information Center.

The state's smoothed, seasonally adjusted unemployment rate was 3.8%, the same as in April, according to a news release.

Missouri's nonfarm payroll ranks were nearly 3 million, a 3,400-job increase from April.

Contributing industries included private education and health services, at 2,100 jobs; leisure and hospitality, 1,900; and trade, transportation and utilities, 1,500. Offsetting industries included financial activities, down 2,100, and professional and business services, down 1,700.

The Springfield metropolitan statistical area's seasonally adjusted nonfarm payroll ranks were 237,400 in May, a month-over-month increase of 800 jobs.

The MERIC report indicates the private workforce in the Springfield MSA in May was 206,700, with those workers making average weekly earnings of $848.32.