Report shows wage impact of Missouri Job Centers in Springfield, Branson

Missouri Job Centers in Springfield and Branson helped 2,507 individuals find jobs after exiting employment and training programs.

That’s according to a new report released by the Missouri Department of Higher Education and Workforce Development. The report showed annual average earnings for those individuals was estimated at $36,102, generating $90.5 million in wages available to spend in the community during the 2025 fiscal year.

In that same period, the seven-county Ozark Workforce Development Area received $2.9 million in federal Workforce Innovation and Opportunities Act funding.

The report showed for every $1 spent on programs, $30 in wages was generated to be spent in the local economy.

“This report paints a vivid picture of the value Missouri Job Centers bring in preparing the local workforce for the job market,” said Andrea Sitzes, chair of the Ozark Region Workforce Development Board, in a Feb. 9 news release. “We are thrilled with this report that shows the impact we have on the local labor market and how we work with businesses to help them find qualified workers.”

The board received a preview of the report at its Feb. 4 meeting.

“This is exactly the type of information that we need to be pulling and looking at as we plan in the future to advocate for more funds into our region,” Sitzes said in the meeting.

The report showed 558 businesses were served during the fiscal year. The sectors where most people found employment after exiting programs included administrative and support, waste management, health care and social assistance, manufacturing, construction and retail trade.

“Our return on investment is enormously positive,” said Ericka Schmeeckle, assistant director of workforce and economic vitality for the city of Springfield, in the release.

The Ozark region comprises Greene, Christian, Dallas, Polk, Stone, Taney and Webster counties.