Job openings trended up to 6.9 million in January, according to the latest U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Job Openings and Labor Turnover Summary (JOLTS) report.  

The JOLTS report provides insights into the number of job openings, hires, quits, and layoffs, offering a detailed snapshot of labor demand in the U.S. The report falls a month behind the jobs report. 

U.S. Employers Report 6.9 Million Job Openings in January

The overall number of job openings rose from 6.6 million to 6.9 million in January, according to the BLS. 

Job openings spiked in some industries including: 

• Manufacturing (+69,000) 
• Finance and insurance (+184,000) 
• Retail trade (+130,000) 
• State and local government (+25,000) 

Industries reporting a decline in job openings in the first month of the year included: 

• Professional and business services (-190,000) 
• Construction (-14,000) 
• Real estate and rental leasing (-15,000) 

Hiring Rate Remains Flat in January 

The number of hires was flat at 5.3 million in January, according to the latest JOLTS report. Hiring activity is also flat year-over-year. 

The industries that increased hiring in January included: 

• Manufacturing (+13,000) 
• Accommodation and food services (+27,000) 
• Construction (+23,000) 

Industries that reported fewer hires in the month of January included:  

• Transportation, warehousing, and utilities (-67,000) 
• Finance and insurance (-23,000) 
• Real estate and rental and leasing (-20,000) 

Total separations, which include quits, layoffs, discharges, and other separations fell slightly by 98,000 in January. 

Quits, often regarded as a measure to watch in order to better understand employee confidence, fell by 88,000 in January.  

Meanwhile, layoffs also fell slightly by 35,000 in January.  

 
Navigating the Labor Market with Purpose

Job openings ticked up in January while hiring and separations held steady, offering valuable context for interpreting today’s softer market conditions. These shifts create a pivotal moment for both employers and job seekers to approach their next steps with intention and clarity. 

For Employers 

A more moderated hiring environment provides room to refine teams with precision. Without the pressure of a competitive hiring surge, organizations can focus on securing the right talent at the right time. Our flexible staffing solutions support agility, cost‑effectiveness, and long‑term workforce planning — helping your organization stay resilient, no matter where the market moves next. Request staff today! 

For Job Seekers 

Even as openings fluctuate, opportunities continue to evolve. This period allows candidates to reassess goals, build new skills, and pursue roles that align more closely with their long‑term career vision. Our recruiters offer tailored insights and guidance to help you navigate these transitions with confidence and purpose.

Why Roth Staffing

In a landscape where labor trends can shift month to month, adaptability is essential. Roth Staffing combines real‑time labor insights with personalized support to help businesses and candidates move forward strategically — even when indicators suggest a cautious outlook.  

Connect with us today and discover how we can help you achieve your goals. 

Source: BLS