The Credential Gap: St. Louis’s Skilled Underpaid Earners

The Stat

230,579 Skilled Underpaid Earners (SUEs) across St. Louis City and County

The Insight

SUEs are working adults with demonstrated job skills but without a four-year degree, earning below what their experience warrants. Despite strong workforce engagement, SUE residents have a median household income of $61,961, which is well below the regional median of $81,374. Their prime-age labor force participation rate (87.1%) exceeds the regional average of 86.2%.

Why It Matters

The challenge is recognition. These are workers who are showing up and contributing. When employers and training systems fail to credential skills gained on the job, experienced workers get passed over for advancement in favor of newer hires with degrees but less experience.

👉 Full analysis in the Enhanced Labor Market Analysis (ELMA) made in partnership with the Inclusive Prosperity Partnership, Key Strategic Group, and East-West Gateway