Job openings across the U.S. fell to 7.4 million in June, 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 latest reading of job openings in the U.S. economy fell just short of the 7.55 million expected by economists, according to the FX Street.

U.S. Employers Report 275,000 Fewer Job Openings in June

While the overall number of job openings fell in June, notable growth was reported in key industries including:

• Professional and business services (+156,000)
• Trade, transportation, and utilities (+143,000)
• Government (+50,000)

Industries that reported a decline in job openings included:

• Finance and insurance (-142,000)
• Health care and social assistance (-244,000)
• Accommodation and food services (-308,000)

June Hiring Slides Slightly, Separations Change Little

The number of hires fell from 5.5 million in May to 5.2 million in June, according to the latest JOLTS report. Hiring activity is up year-over-year, but has now edged down for two consecutive months.

The industries that experienced the most notable changes in hiring were:

• Professional and business services (-133,000)
• Accommodation and food services (-106,000)
• Finance and insurance (-19,000)
• Trade, transportation, and utilities (+49,000)
• Manufacturing (+11,000)

Total separations, which include quits, layoffs, discharges, and other separations, decreased by 153,000 in June.

Quits, often regarded as a measure to watch in order to better understand employee confidence, fell by 128,000 to 3.1 million. The total number of quits has hovered between 3.1 million and 3.4 million since the end of 2023. Total layoffs and discharges, meanwhile, fell by just 7,000—remaining at 1.6 million.

June 2025 in a Nutshell

The labor market remains resilient, but recent data from the BLS and its JOLTS Report continue to paint a picture that’s more “flat” than robust, with only slight changes month over month.

While job openings fell this month, they are still slightly above where they were last year. The same can be said for hiring.

Quits have remained relatively stable for over a year as well. Most sectors experienced little change when it comes to separations in June, with only professional and business services employers standing out as reported quits in the industry fell by 114,000, its lowest mark since June 2020.

Meanwhile, professional and business services employers reported that layoffs and discharges spiked by 67,000 to 468,000, the industry’s highest mark since January 2024. However, layoffs across the labor market remain at historically low levels.

Is the lack of significant change a sign of fatigue, or a sign of a labor market ready to bounce? That is the question economists will continue to watch, according to an analysis by Indeed Hiring Lab.

“Overall, the labor market is not collapsing, but it is starting to run on tired legs. In the months ahead, whether this slow fade becomes a stumble will depend on whether demand finds a second wind or if fatigue takes over,” said Cory Stahle, an economist for Indeed.

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• For Employers: Build agile teams, attract top-tier talent, and control hiring costs with scalable, strategic workforce solutions. Contact us today to learn how we can help you achieve success during these dynamic times.

• For Job Seekers: Gain access to exclusive opportunities and personalized guidance to align your career path with current market demands. Take the next step in your career with our support. Start your search now.  

As the labor market continues to shift, one thing remains clear: adaptability is key. Whether you’re hiring or exploring new career opportunities, Roth Staffing provides the resources and expertise to help you succeed—no matter what lies ahead.

Sources: BLS, FXStreet, Indeed Hiring Lab