2025 State of the St. Louis Workforce: What You Need to Know
August 12, 2025
Posted by STLCC
Every year, St. Louis Community College takes the pulse of our region’s economy and job market through its State of the St. Louis Workforce Report. The 2025 edition gives a clear picture of where we’re thriving, where challenges remain, and how trends like technology and entrepreneurship are shaping our future. Whether you’re a job seeker, employer or community leader, here’s what stood out this year.
Our Economy is Growing, but Hiring is Cautious
St. Louis’ GDP hit $226.5 billion last year—a healthy 7.1% jump from 2022. Health care remains our top employer, but transportation, warehousing and construction have seen big gains over the past decade.
Still, companies are playing it safe. 70% of employers kept staffing levels steady in the past year, while just 21% grew their teams. Skills shortages remain the top hiring challenge (though slightly less than in 2024), and surprisingly, 42% of employers invest nothing in training—a big jump from last year.
Skills, Skills, Skills
Employers want more than degrees—they want strong communication, customer service, and management skills. High-skill roles in business, patient care and technical fields are especially in demand.
If you’re looking ahead, jobs like registered nurse, truck driver, and home health aide are hot now and will stay that way through 2032. Workers with post-secondary education or training enjoy lower unemployment rates and higher wages—proof that skill-building pays off.
Startups are Job-Creation Powerhouses
In 2024, local entrepreneurs launched 8,460 startups, creating 15,612 brand-new jobs—a sharp rebound after a dip in 2023. Health care, retail, and professional services saw the biggest boosts.
Over the past decade, startups have generated more net new jobs than the region’s total job growth. That means small businesses aren’t just important—they’re the lifeblood of St. Louis’ economic health.
Transportation is a Regional Superpower
We’re not just a flyover city—we’re a logistics giant. St. Louis is the 4th largest inland port in the U.S., home to two international airports, six Class I railroads, and four major interstates.
More than 67,000 people work in transportation here, supporting industries like manufacturing, agriculture, metals, and chemicals. Warehousing jobs have more than doubled in the last 10 years, and our central location makes us a hub for moving goods nationwide.
AI is Knocking on the Door
About half of employers are testing or already using artificial intelligence, mostly in customer service and business management. While adoption is uneven, AI’s influence is growing—and companies not exploring it now may have to play catch-up later.
The Bottom Line
St. Louis’ workforce is in a steady—but shifting—phase. We’re strong in core industries, startups are buzzing, and transportation is a major competitive advantage. But skill-building is more important than ever, and technology is changing the game.
If you’re in the job market, focus on growing your skills and looking toward high-demand fields. If you’re an employer, investing in training could be your best move for long-term success.