$4.6 billion
invested
downtown
since 1999
St. Louis St. Louis

Work Force and Training


St. Louisans do it all. That’s literally true, because the metropolitan economy is extremely diverse. From automobiles to F/A-18 Super Hornets, from pharmaceuticals to software, from medical research to shoe design, from financial services to information technology, St. Louisans do almost everything that Americans do, and very nearly in the same proportions. That gives our work force a breadth and balance that’s unusual among metropolitan areas.

Greater St. Louis is proud to be home to a vibrant, well-educated, and diverse work force - 1.5 million strong.

2008 Metro Area Average Employment
Total Labor Force1,446,500
Total Employment1,359,800
Total Unemployment86,700
Unemployment Rate6.0%

Source: "Metropolitan Area at a Glance," U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, July 2008.


Drawing on the talents of graduates of renowned public and private universities and an extensive network of community colleges, vocational/technical centers and top-tier high schools, the hard-working St. Louis work force also boasts an impressive contingent of skilled laborers and professionals from across the country — and around the world — who are drawn to St. Louis for educational institutions and its quality of life.

A relatively low cost of living and training and development resources provided by the states of Illinois and Missouri also help make the St. Louis area an attractive place to live and do business. These are just some of the reasons the community has long been a world leader in innovative knowledge industries and advanced manufacturing.

For more information on the Greater St. Louis Work Force, please visit the sections below.

SECTION LINKS
 Work Force Characteristics
 Wage Rates
 State Training Programs

 

 
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