The number of job openings was unchanged at 7.2 million in August, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported on Tuesday, Sept. 30. Over the month, both hires and total separations were little changed at 5.1 million. For job separations, both quits (3.1 million), and layoffs and discharges (1.7 million), were little changed.
This data includes estimates of the number and rate of job openings, hires, and separations for the total nonfarm sector, by industry, and by establishment size class. Job openings include all positions that are open on the last business day of the month. Hires and separations include all changes to the payroll during the entire month.
Recommended Articles
Job Openings
The number and rate of job openings were unchanged at 7.2 million and 4.3 percent, respectively, in August. The number of job openings decreased in construction (-115,000) and in federal government (-61,000).
Hires
In August, the number and rate of hires were little changed at 5.1 million and 3.2 percent, respectively. Hires were little changed in all industries.
Separations
Total separations include quits, layoffs and discharges, and other separations. Quits are generally voluntary separations initiated by the employee. Therefore, the quits rate can serve as a measure of workers’ willingness or ability to leave jobs. Layoffs and discharges are involuntary separations initiated by the employer. Other separations include separations due to retirement, death, disability, and transfers to other locations of the same firm.
In August, the number and rate of total separations were little changed at 5.1 million and 3.2 percent, respectively. The number of total separations decreased in accommodation and food services (-113,000) and in arts, entertainment, and recreation (-48,000). Total separations increased in state and local government, excluding education (+27,000).
In August, the number and rate of quits were little changed at 3.1 million and 1.9 percent, respectively. The number of quits decreased in accommodation and food services (-140,000) and in arts, entertainment, and recreation (-22,000). Quits increased in construction (+56,000).
The number of layoffs and discharges in August was little changed at 1.7 million and the rate remained unchanged at 1.1 percent. Layoffs and discharges decreased in wholesale trade (-36,000) and in federal government (-4,000). The number of other separations was little changed at 295,000 in August.
Establishment Size Class
In August, establishments with 1 to 9 employees and establishments with 5,000 or more employees showed little or no change in job openings, hires, and separations rates.
July 2025 Revisions
The number of job openings for July was revised up by 27,000 to 7.2 million, the number of hires was revised down by 68,000 to 5.2 million, and the number of total separations was revised down by 68,000 to 5.2 million. Within separations, the number of quits was revised down by 42,000 to 3.2 million, and the number of layoffs and discharges was revised down by 21,000 to 1.8 million. (Monthly revisions result from additional reports received from businesses and government agencies since the last published estimates and from the recalculation of seasonal factors.)
Thanks for reading CPA Practice Advisor!
Subscribe Already registered? Log In
Need more information? Read the FAQs
Larry banks October 1 2025 at 9:58 am
I have eat and feed my family and recover my payment check please help me get my checks benefit return as soon as possible 🙏