State gains 14,800 jobs in April; jobless rate drops

Missouri's labor market took a turn for the better in April, as the state added jobs and its unemployment rate dropped.

Total nonfarm payroll employment increased by 14,800 jobs in April, on a seasonally basis, according to data released Tuesday by the Missouri Department of Economic Development. The overall job growth in April was the third consecutive month of gains.

The state's seasonally adjusted unemployment rate fell by a tenth of a point, to 9.4 percent, marking the first unemployment rate decrease this year. The rate is well below the national unemployment rate, seasonally adjusted, of 9.9 percent.

Most private sectors added jobs during the month, according to a DED news release. Leisure and hospitality gained 6,400 jobs; administrative and support services added 4,300 jobs; manufacturing gained 2,500 employees; wholesale trade added 1,300 jobs; and other services gained 1,100.

Government employment dropped 1,400 jobs during the month, due in large part to a decrease in temporary census workers. That sector is expected to rebound in May as census enumerators join the work force.

Springfield added 1,000 jobs in April, while Kansas City and St. Louis led the state, both adding more than 5,000 jobs for the month, according to the release.
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