Find a Job You Really Want In
When we think of Missouri, we often envision its stunning natural landscapes, rich culinary heritage, and vibrant culture. However, the state also boasts a robust economy and a dynamic job market that continues to evolve.
At Zippia, we analyze local economies to pinpoint which industries are thriving and why. This insight is invaluable for job seekers and those considering relocating for work, providing a clearer picture of what to expect in Missouri’s job landscape.
In this article, we delve into the top industries in Missouri, highlighting opportunities and market trends as of 2026.
After examining the latest data, we’ve identified the top five industries for jobs in Missouri:
Continue reading to discover how we determined which industries stand out in Missouri.
If you’re interested in further exploring the Missouri job market, check out these articles:
- Top 100 Highest Paying Jobs in Kansas City
- Top 100 Highest Paying Jobs in St. Louis
- Top 100 Lowest Paying Jobs in Missouri
How We Identified Missouri’s Best Job Industries
We firmly believe that data provides a more objective view than individual opinions. Our mission was to compile comprehensive data regarding the Missouri job market.
We evaluated several metrics to identify the best industries:
- Average Salary
- Job Availability
- Average Stress Level of Jobs in the Industry
Our data sources include the Bureau of Labor Statistics and the Department of Labor.
Stress levels were assessed using self-reported data from industry professionals. Industries were ranked from 1 to 22, with 1 being the most favorable.
Ultimately, we averaged the rankings to create a ‘Best Industry’ index, with Healthcare Practitioners and Technical emerging as the leading industry in Missouri.
For a detailed breakdown, see the table below. Now, let’s explore why these industries excel in job opportunities.
Comprehensive List of Missouri’s Top Industries
| Rank | Industry | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Healthcare Practitioners and Technical | $68,410 |
| 2 | Computer and Mathematical | $78,270 |
| 3 | Production and Manufacturing | $35,990 |
| 4 | Office and Administrative Support | $35,060 |
| 5 | Education, Training, and Library | $50,230 |
| 6 | Management | $106,160 |
| 7 | Architecture and Engineering | $77,300 |
| 8 | Business and Financial Operations | $68,330 |
| 9 | Community and Social Service | $39,980 |
| 10 | Legal | $87,840 |
| 11 | Personal Care and Service | $23,570 |
| 12 | Installation, Maintenance, and Repair | $43,970 |
| 13 | Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media | $49,580 |
| 14 | Sales | $36,290 |
| 15 | Life, Physical, and Social Science | $59,240 |
| 16 | Transportation | $34,260 |
| 17 | Food Preparation and Serving Related | $21,520 |
| 18 | Construction and Extraction | $51,290 |
| 19 | Healthcare Support | $27,490 |
| 20 | Building and Grounds Cleaning and Maintenance | $25,830 |
| 21 | Protective Service | $39,390 |
| 22 | Farming, Fishing, and Forestry | $30,800 |
Conclusion: The Best Industries in Missouri
In summary, the Healthcare Practitioners and Technical sector remains the premier industry for job seekers in Missouri. It is followed closely by other high-demand fields such as Computer and Mathematical professions.
Conversely, the Farming, Fishing, and Forestry sector ranks lowest in the state, primarily due to lower wages and limited job opportunities.
For more insights, consider these resources:
Author
Chris Kolmar is a co-founder of Zippia and the editor-in-chief of the Zippia career advice blog. He has hired over 50 people in his career, been hired five times, and wants to help you land your next job. His research has been featured on the New York Times, Thrillist, VOX, The Atlantic, and a host of local news. More recently, he's been quoted on USA Today, BusinessInsider, and CNBC.
