Missouri unemployment rate holds steady in February

According to seasonally adjusted data released Tuesday by the Missouri Department of Economic Development, the state’s nonfarm payroll employment gained 8,400 jobs in February. Missouri’s unemployment rate held at 5.5 percent in February, which is nine-tenths of a point below the February 2014 rate.

According to information from the Missouri Department of Economic Development, February’s job growth was led by Education and Health Services with 4,100 new jobs. Additionally, Construction was up by 2,700 jobs, Trade, Transportation and Utilities gained 2,400 jobs, and Real Estate, Rental and Leasing employment was up by 1,300 jobs for the month of February.