Job openings across the U.S. grew for the second straight month, spiking to 7.8 million in May 2025, 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 report shows solid growth from the 7.4 million vacancies reported in April. According to the Associated Press, economists had expected a slight decrease to 7.3 million.  

U.S. Job Openings Grow to 7.8 Million

As job openings figures beat expectations, notable growth was reported in key subsectors including: 

• Finance and insurance (+91,000)
• Transportation, warehousing and utilities (+60,000)
• Health care and social assistance (+60,000) 

Other subsectors saw a decline in job openings from last month’s report, including: 

• Real estate and rental and leasing (-33,000)  
• Nondurable goods manufacturing (-16,000)  
• Federal government (-39,000) 

Over the past two months, job openings have grown from 7.2 million to just shy of 7.8 million. Since May 2024, job openings are down 132,000. 

Hiring Falls Slightly in May

While employers reported more job openings, the number of hires fell from 5.6 million in April to 5.5 million in May, according to the latest JOLTS report. 

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

• Manufacturing (-52,000)
• Professional and business services (-47,000)
• Accommodation and food services (+107,000)
• Trade, transportation, and utilities (+26,000) 

Separations Fall as Quits Remain Flat and Layoffs Cool

Total separations, which include quits, layoffs, discharges, and other separations, decreased by 71,000 in May.   

Quits, often regarded as a measure to watch in order to better understand employee confidence, grew by 78,000 to 3.3 million. The total number of quits has hovered between 3.1 million and 3.4 million since the end of 2023.  

Layoffs and discharges, meanwhile, fell by 188,000 to 1.6 million. Notably, layoffs and discharges fell by 44,000 in finance and insurance—where just 17,000 layoffs reported tied for the lowest number since April 2022. 

What Does It All Mean?

The latest JOLTS report brought some unexpected yet cautiously optimistic data. Job openings have increased for two consecutive months, with 374,000 additional openings in May, marking the first such streak since early 2022. Sectors like transportation, warehousing, utilities, finance, and insurance drove these gains.  

The gains reported in May could potentially be in response to heightened import activity and easing industry regulations, according to an analysis by Indeed Hiring Lab. Allison Shrivastava, an economist with Indeed, wrote that the data could suggest many employers are choosing to take action rather than remaining in limbo amid ongoing tariff uncertainties and political volatility. 

However, optimism should be measured. While openings are up, declining hiring levels indicate that the labor market is not yet clicking on all cylinders. Job openings and hires continue to trend close to pre-pandemic levels. 

This nuanced labor market demands adaptive strategies. Employers may need to balance immediate hiring needs with longer-term adjustments as economic conditions evolve. While some organizations might experience “uncertainty fatigue,” leading them to act swiftly in the short term, it’s critical to be prepared as the landscape shifts. 

How We Can Help  

Navigating such complex employment conditions requires a trusted partner equipped with deep market insights and tailored staffing solutions. Roth Staffing closely monitors labor market trends to help both employers and job seekers adapt proactively. 

• For Employers: Count on our expertise to build flexible teams, secure top talent, and efficiently manage hiring costs with scalable solutions. Contact us today to learn how we can help you achieve success during these dynamic times.

• For Job Seekers: From securing exclusive roles to aligning your career trajectory with market trends, we’re here to guide you every step of the way. Take the next step in your career with our support. Start your search now.  

The rapidly changing labor market highlights one certainty—we all need to stay agile. Whether you’re hiring or searching for the next step in your career, Roth Staffing offers the tools and support you need to thrive—even when the future feels uncertain.  

Sources: BLS, Associated Press, Indeed Hiring Lab