Job openings increased slightly to 7.7 million in January 2025, according to the latest U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Job Openings and Labor Turnover Summary (JOLTS) report. The JOLTS report, which runs a month behind the BLS Jobs report, provides detailed data on the U.S. labor market, including the number of job openings, new hires, quits, and layoffs, providing insights into the current state of labor demand.

Job Openings Increase to 7.7 million

The number of job openings rose in January by 232,000 from December’s downwardly revised total of 7.5 million.

Job openings decreased in three industries that had reported growth in the previous month.

• Finance and insurance employers reported 77,000 more openings in January, rebounding following a decrease of 116,000 openings in the previous month.
• Manufacturing reported 31,000 more openings in January, growing to 462,000 jobs—its highest mark since September 2024.
• Construction also reported 31,000 more openings, bouncing back to 236,000 openings after reporting a decrease of 72,000 job openings the month before.

Some sectors saw a decrease in job openings in January including professional and business services (-122,000), transportation, warehousing, and utilities (-40,000) and accommodation and food services (-22,000).

As of the end of January, there remain fewer unemployed workers than available job opportunities in America. here to help! Contact one of our locations to set up a complimentary consultation to discuss your hiring plans and challenges today. 

Hire and Quit Rates Hold Steady

While job openings have fluctuated in recent months, the number and rate of hires was unchanged in January, at 5.4 million and 3.4%, respectively, according to BLS.

Industries reporting hiring growth included:

• Professional and business services companieshired36,000 more workersin January than they did in December 2024.
• Construction employers hired 26,000 more people than the month before.

Sectors that scaled back hiring efforts included:

• Accommodation and food services, which scaled back hiring by 67,000 in January.
• Transportation, warehousing, and utilities employers hired 31,000 fewer people in January.

Meanwhile, 171,000 more people quit their jobs in January, compared to December. However, the number of quits has remained relatively stable for several months. Quits, labeled by BLS as voluntary separations initiated by the employee, increased in construction (+53,000) and professional and business services (+30,000).

As power changed hands in Washington, D.C., layoffs and discharges remained stable—decreasing by just 34,000 in January.

Calm Before the Storm

According to Cory Stahle, an economist at Indeed Hiring Lab, January’s JOLTS Report should be received in context, given the very recent volatility in the American labor market that has not yet been measured by the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

“Today’s January JOLTS data is a bit of a time capsule that does not adequately capture the fast-moving nature of the new administration and the uncertainty that has marked much of February and early March,” Stahle writes. “This data paints a picture of stability and steadiness that could be read more accurately as paralysis or fear of overcommitting to large, strategic hiring plans as the details of various policy pronouncements and their potential impacts remain out of focus.”

Stahle predicts one of two scenarios playing out. Either an adjustment period occurs that “ends relatively quickly and smoothly” or “a period of volatility that is slower-moving” and has greater downstream impacts.

How We Can Help

At Roth Staffing, we’re tapped into the U.S. labor market and prepared to help our clients weather every storm.

For Employers

In today’s unpredictable market, having a reliable staffing partner is more essential than ever. Whether you’re making a single hire to test the waters or scaling up your workforce, our expert recruiters are here to support you. We help you:

• Connect with top-tier talent in competitive industries.
• Streamline your hiring process to secure and retain high-performing professionals.
• Build workforce flexibility with temporary, contract-to-hire, and direct hire solutions.

If you’re an employer looking to hire, partner with us to navigate hiring challenges with confidence.  

For Job Seekers

A strong understanding of the labor market can give you a competitive edge in your job search. Whether you’re exploring new opportunities or planning your next career move, we’re here to help you:

• Discover jobs in fast-growing industries.
• Adapt to shifting hiring trends with expert guidance.
• Access exclusive opportunities with leading employers.

Take the next step toward a role that aligns with your career goals—start your search today!

Sources: BLS, Indeed Hiring Lab