Springfield posts state's only February jobs gain

Missouri's February jobs report showed state totals on the rise, with Springfield leading the way among metropolitan areas.

Missouri payrolls added 2,300 jobs in the month, with the unemployment rate holding steady at 9.4 percent. State unemployment was below the national rate – 9.7 percent – for the 12th consecutive month.

Springfield posted an increase of 600 jobs for the month, while numbers were down in St. Louis and Kansas City by 2,600 and 1,800 jobs, respectively, due in large part to decreases in construction trades. Columbia job totals fell by 600, Joplin decreased by 300 jobs, and Jefferson City and St. Joseph remained unchanged.

The statewide increase came in spite of 4,800 job losses in construction, due to unusually harsh winter weather, according to a Missouri Department of Economic Development news release.

Gains came in professional, scientific and technical services; temporary help and administrative support; private education; health care and social assistance; and arts, entertainment and recreation. Those gains offset other losses in government, manufacturing and accommodation and food services, the release said.[[In-content Ad]]