Diversity is a word that regularly appears in analyses of the economy of Missouri and its major metropolitan areas. It is one of America’s most productive agricultural states, with a wine industry that is both a tourist attraction and a rapidly growing source of Missouri jobs. The Saint Louis metropolitan area is an important financial and transportation center. The biotechnology and healthcare industries are also dynamic creators of high-tech St. Louis jobs. Companies headquartered in the St. Louis area include Anheuser-Busch, Nestlé Purina PetCare (a division of Nestlé), Monsanto, Energizer and BJC HealthCare.

Manufacturing, particularly aerospace and automobile manufacturing, is the leading source of industry jobs in Missouri. Boeing has a strong presence in MO, as do Chrysler, Ford and General Motors. In the largest city in the state, Kansas City, Missouri, jobs in manufacturing, federal government, transportation and agriculture are paramount. H&R Block and AMC Theatres are headquartered in KC, MO. Statewide, an increased demand for quality education should boost the number of Missouri teaching jobs available in the coming years.