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U.S. job openings hold at 7.5 million in September

November 3, 2026. U.S. job openings were little changed at 7.5 million at the end of September, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reported in its JOLTS survey.

Hires stood at 5.4 million and total separations at 5.3 million, both little changed. Among separations, quits increased to 3.4 million while layoffs and discharges were little changed at 1.6 million.

Why it matters

Openings and worker mobility provide signals of labor demand and help businesses and policymakers assess employment conditions.

Rockstar Briefing analysis

Little change in openings indicates continuity, but one measure alone cannot establish labor-market strength. Hiring, wages and the next employment report provide important context; estimates can be revised.

AI-generated illustration. Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, September JOLTS.