The Urban Institute is out with its 2012 interactive graphic tracking job growth in the 100 largest U.S. metropolitan regions.

Drawing on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data, the graphics reflect the relative strength of employment in 16 sectors ranging from education to manufacturing.

Based on the institute's findings, St. Louis ranks 22nd nationally among metro areas in its ability to provide private sector jobs. 

The region fares reasonably well when it comes to jobs in education and health services (27th) and information technology (28th); falls into the mid-range for manufacturing (46th), goods and production (44th) and government and lags behind in retail (74th) and overall service-providing jobs (59th).