The number of job openings held steady in July at around 7.3 million while hiring levels edged down to 5.1 million, 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 7.3 Million Job Openings in July

The overall number of job openings in the U.S. economy increased by 89,000 after the number of job openings for June was revised down by 177,000 to 7.2 million

In July, job openings grew in industries including:

• Manufacturing (+79,000)
• Construction (+28,000)
• Finance and insurance (+2,000)
• State and local government (+50,000)

Other industries reported a decline in job openings in July, including:

• Transportation, warehousing, and utilities (-67,000)
• Accommodation and food services (-18,000)
• Professional and business services (-65,000)
• Leisure and hospitality (-42,000)

Hiring Falls from 5.3 to 5.1 Million in July

The total number of hires fell by 278,000 in July, compared to hires in June, according to the BLS.

The industries that increased hiring in July included:

• Construction (+47,000)
• Accommodation and food services (+12,000)
• Private educational services (+5,000)

Industries reporting decreases in hiring over the month included:

• Professional and business services (-188,000)
• Finance and insurance (-37,000)
• Transportation, warehousing, and utilities (-32,000)
• Manufacturing (-45,000)

Total separations, which include quits, layoffs, discharges, and other separations, decreased by 265,000 in July. Among that count were layoffs, of which employers reported 119,000 less of in July.

Quits, often regarded as a measure to watch in order to better understand employee confidence, fell by 157,000 in July. Quits have held relatively stable for much of the year and are down 76,000 year-over-year.

Turning Labor Market Insights Into Action

July’s JOLTS data highlights a labor market that continues to evolve. While employers remain active in hiring, many are taking a more focused approach to workforce planning, and candidates are navigating a market that rewards preparation, flexibility, and persistence.

Whether you’re looking to strengthen your team or take the next step in your career, partnering with a staffing expert can help you navigate changing market conditions with greater confidence. Roth Staffing Companies and its specialized business lines, including Ultimate Staffing, Ledgent Finance & Accounting, Ledgent Technology, Adams & Martin Group, and About Talent, connect employers with qualified talent and help job seekers find opportunities aligned with their goals.

As workforce needs continue to shift, having the right partner can make all the difference.

Source: BLS