Saint Louis
Saint Louis is a vibrant city located in the heart of the Midwest. With a population of around 300,000 people, Saint Louis is the second-largest city in Missouri and is known for its rich history, cultural attractions, and diverse economy.
Beyond its cultural offerings, Saint Louis also boasts a relatively low cost of living compared to other major metropolitan areas. With excellent schools, top-notch healthcare facilities, and a strong job market across a range of industries, it’s no wonder why so many people are drawn to this dynamic and thriving city.
Why St Louis Is Booming
St. Louis offers a unique combination of affordability, economic opportunities, community spirit, and outdoor recreational spaces, making it an attractive destination for people of all ages and backgrounds. With the cost of living lower than the national average and a range of affordable housing options, the city is a popular choice for young professionals, families, and retirees seeking a more affordable lifestyle.
At the same time, St. Louis boasts a diverse and growing economy, with a thriving tech industry, and it serves as a hub for healthcare, education, and financial services. This has led to a wealth of job opportunities for those looking to establish themselves professionally.
Despite its urban setting, St. Louis has a strong sense of community, with residents passionate about supporting local businesses, helping their neighbors, and contributing to the city’s growth and development.
For nature lovers, St. Louis also has a lot to offer. The city has a large number of parks and green spaces, including Forest Park, which is one of the largest urban parks in the country. The city’s network of bike trails and paths also provides an easy and accessible way to explore its outdoor offerings.
All of these benefits combined have created an attractive job and property market that draws thousands of new residents to the city every year. With this growing influx of workers, many large businesses and corporations have moved to St. Louis to take advantage of the job market.
Economic Growth
St. Louis boasts a diverse and growing economy, with a mix of traditional industries like manufacturing, healthcare, and finance and emerging sectors like biotechnology, information technology, and renewable energy. The region has experienced steady economic growth, driven by innovation and entrepreneurship.
It has emerged as a hub for biotechnology and life sciences, with major companies like Pfizer, Monsanto, and Mallinckrodt Pharmaceuticals having a significant presence in the region. The city is also home to leading research institutions like Washington University, which has been a key driver of the biotech industry.
The information technology sector has also seen significant growth in the St. Louis region, with companies like World Wide Technology and Centene Corporation leading the way. The city has a growing startup scene, attracting talent nationwide.
On top of these thriving sectors, advanced manufacturing also remains a major industry in St. Louis, with companies like Boeing, Emerson Electric, and Anheuser-Busch having a significant presence in the area and creating many sought-after jobs among blue-collar and highly skilled workers alike.
Population Growth
According to the United States Census Bureau, the population of St. Louis is relatively young, with a median age of 35 years old. As a result, much of the local population is of working age and in search of quality jobs in the area. With new businesses moving into the city and making new, competitive jobs available, St. Louis has also seen an influx of young professionals in recent years, indicating the job market and economic growth it has experienced over the past decades won’t soon let up. 1
With an eye on future developments, St. Louis has seen significant growth in industries like biotechnology, information technology, and advanced manufacturing, which have attracted a skilled workforce. St. Louis also has a significant hospitality industry, with many hotels and restaurants serving tourists and locals alike.
St Louis, Missouri Employment Statistics
St. Louis is the largest metropolitan area in Missouri and the 20th largest in the United States, with a population of approximately 2.8 million people. Here are some key employment statistics for the St. Louis Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) based on data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) as of February 2023: 2
- The unemployment rate was 3.6% in February 2023, compared to the national average of 3.7%.
- The civilian labor force was approximately 1.4 million people in February 2023.
- The industries with the highest employment levels are healthcare and social assistance, retail trade, and accommodation and food services.
Here’s a table with more detailed information on St. Louis’ MSA employment statistics:
| Industry | Employment (in thousands) | Job Growth (YoY) |
| Total Non-farm | 1,294,900 | 100.0% |
| Trade, Transportation, and Utilities | 238,500 | 0.3% |
| Government | 161,900 | 0.2% |
| Education | 158,600 | 0.7% |
| Professional and Business Services | 203,700 | 0.6% |
| Leisure and Hospitality | 97,600 | 2.9% |
| Manufacturing | 137,900 | -0.6% |
| Financial Activities | 56,700 | 0.2% |
| Construction | 39,100 | -1.0% |
| Health Care | 200,900 | 2.6% |
Note: Data is from the Bureau of Labor Statistics as of February 2023. The information provided is subject to change and may not reflect the latest employment statistics for St. Louis, Missouri.
Looking to the Future
According to recent reports, several industries are expected to experience significant growth in the St. Louis Metropolitan Area in the coming years. Here are a few examples:
- Healthcare: The healthcare industry is expected to continue to grow and expand in the St. Louis area, driven by an aging population and an increased demand for medical services. There will likely be high demand for:
- Nurses
- Medical assistants
- Healthcare administrators
- Technology: This will be driven by many factors, including increased investment, a growing startup scene, and the presence of major tech companies such as Microsoft and Google. There will likely be high demand for:
- Software developers
- Data analysts
- Cybersecurity specialists
- Advanced Manufacturing: As the region has a strong manufacturing history and several advanced manufacturing firms are already located in the area, this sector is expected to grow. There will likely be high demand for:
- Machinists
- Welders
- Other skilled manufacturing workers
- Logistics and Transportation: The logistics and transportation sector is also expected to grow, driven by the region’s central location and its strong transportation infrastructure. There will likely be high demand for:
- Truck drivers
- Warehouse workers
- Logistics coordinators
A Growing Population of Workers
With a growing population of workers in St Louis, more jobs are likely to become available as businesses move into the area to take advantage of the competitive job market, which in turn will attract a larger number of candidates. This means that employers may suddenly be faced with more applications to sift through and more candidates to consider for each open position.
In addition to the usual recruitment challenges, employers may also have to navigate pre-employment drug testing requirements, which can add an extra layer of complexity to the hiring and onboarding process.
Employers need to ensure that they are complying with all applicable regulations and policies while also identifying candidates who meet the necessary qualifications and pass the required drug tests. This can lead to delays and time constraints that result in businesses overlooking strong candidates or losing them to a business that got back to them sooner.
Why Fast Pre-Employment Drug Testing Is Essential
Pre-employment drug screening is important for employers because it helps ensure that new hires are drug-free, promoting a safer and more productive work environment.
However, there can be challenges with managing the recruitment process efficiently when drug testing requirements must be taken into consideration, especially if labs take too long to get back with results and candidates move on to the next available job.
If you run a business in St. Louis, you may need to consider streamlining your recruitment process and leveraging technology to manage the influx of drug tests and applications. Partnering with the right lab and establishing tried-and-tested onboarding standard operating procedures are key to successfully navigating the burgeoning job market and attracting top talent in St Louis while ensuring a safe and productive work environment.
Pre-Employment Drug Testing with AMH Nationwide
Looking for reliable and efficient drug testing services for your business? Look no further than AMH Nationwide. With years of experience and a commitment to accuracy and timely results, AMH offers a variety of drug tests to meet your needs, including urine, nail, and hair tests.
Our labs use state-of-the-art equipment and follow strict protocols to ensure reliable and accurate results.
Whether you need pre-employment drug testing, random drug testing, or any other drug testing services, AMH has you covered. We also offer convenient locations throughout 4 major lab networks to make the process as easy and efficient as possible for your business.
If you’re in an industry that requires DOT drug testing, we have you covered there too. Our DOT drug testing services meet all federal regulations, so you can rest assured that you comply with all local laws.
Trust the experts at AMH Nationwide for all your drug testing needs. Look through our website today to learn more or to schedule your drug testing services.