Overall unemployment rate moved down to 2.2% with the biggest shift in Government, which gained 5,500 roles, based on the most recently available information published in November 2022.

Total employment in the Kansas City, MO-KS market rose by 6,546 jobs in September and the unemployment rate decreased compared to the prior month by 90 bps to 2.2%. The national unemployment rate decreased by 47 bps over the same time to 3.3%.

  • Kansas City, MO-KS unemployment rate is 112 bps below the national rate which is a positive sign.
  • Unemployment in the market is 150 bps below the unemployment rate in the market last year at this time, which is a positive.
  • Average wages (per hour) grew in September versus prior month by 3% and are up compared to last year at this time in the market.
Month over Month Unemployment Change
Year over Year Unemployment Change
Kansas City, MO-KS Unemployment September 2022

For key employment segments of the market, total jobs grew by 0.2% . Key sectors include:

  • Transportation & Utilities: 217,400; no change
  • Business Services: 187,200; -1,100
  • Education & Healthcare: 160,500; no change
  • Government: 145,500; +5,500
  • Restaurants & Hotels: 108,400; +700
  • Manufacturing: 80,700; -600
  • Financial Services: 74,800; -1,000
  • Construction, Mining: 61,100; -1,100
  • Other Jobs: 41,800; -100
  • IT & Development: 16,400; no change
Kansas City, MO-KS Unemployment by Industry September 2022

Data is based on the most recent 12 months available, through September 2022 (Data published November 2022 and reports created on November 2, 2022).  Source: Government data agency and locally acquired statistics.

Note: All reported data is not seasonally adjusted.