Missouri, the 19th most populous state in the US, boasts a population of approximately 6.28 million as of 2025. The state’s largest cities include Kansas City (510,704 residents), St. Louis (281,754), Springfield (170,188), and Columbia (129,330).
Economically, Missouri is diverse, with key industries such as agriculture, manufacturing, healthcare, financial services, and technology.
AI adoption in Missouri
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is increasingly influencing various sectors in Missouri, leading to shifts in employment patterns and skill requirements.
As of October 2024, approximately 6.1 percent of Missouri businesses reported using AI, nearly doubling from 3.1 percent the previous year. An additional 8.4 percent anticipate adopting AI within the next six months.
Between March and August 2024, there were 5,632 unique AI-related job postings in Missouri, accounting for 1.5 percent of all job listings, up from 0.8 percent the previous year.
Sector-specific impacts
Information Technology and Cybersecurity
High demand for AI skills is evident in roles such as software development and data analysis. St Louis, for instance, is experiencing a cybersecurity job market boom, with over 7,500 open positions as of early 2025.
Manufacturing and automation
AI-driven automation is streamlining production processes, leading to increased efficiency but also potential displacement of certain manual roles.
Missouri’s manufacturing sector, a significant contributor to the state’s GDP, is undergoing transformations as AI technologies are integrated into operations.
Healthcare
AI applications in diagnostics and patient care are enhancing service delivery, necessitating upskilling among healthcare professionals.
The healthcare sector, a major employer in Missouri, is adapting to these technological advancements to improve patient outcomes.
Education and training
Educational institutions are adapting curricula to include AI competencies, preparing students for evolving job requirements. Missouri’s universities and colleges are introducing programs focused on AI and data science to meet the growing demand for skilled professionals.
Workforce development and upskilling initiatives
Missouri is investing in workforce development by placing job centers on community college campuses, particularly in rural areas, to facilitate access to training and employment resources. The state offers free online college classes through its 23 job centers, aiming to help residents acquire new skills relevant to the AI-driven job market.
Challenges and considerations
Entry-level job displacement
AI’s capability to automate routine tasks poses a risk to entry-level positions, potentially narrowing traditional pathways into various professions. This shift necessitates proactive measures to reskill affected workers.
Ethical and legal implications
The integration of AI in employment processes raises concerns about bias and discrimination. While Missouri lacks specific state laws on AI in employment decisions, companies must navigate existing federal regulations to ensure fair practices.
Data center employment paradox
The construction of AI data centers, such as those in Missouri, brings short-term construction jobs but results in relatively few permanent positions, challenging assumptions about long-term job creation.
Future outlook
As AI technologies advance, their adoption across various sectors in Missouri is expected to increase, further transforming the job market. To remain competitive, workers will need to engage in continuous learning and skill development, adapting to new tools and methodologies introduced by AI.
Ongoing discussions at both state and federal levels may lead to the establishment of guidelines and regulations to ensure ethical AI deployment in the workplace.
Leave a Reply