The number of job openings grew to 7.5 million and hires inched up to 5.4 million in September, 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 7.5 Million Job Openings in September

The overall number of job openings in the U.S. economy grew by 333,000 in September.

In September, job openings grew in industries including:

• Construction (+36,000)
• Manufacturing (+54,000)
• Transportation, warehousing and utilities (+25,000)
• Information (+25,000)
• Professional and business services (+106,000)

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

• Finance and insurance (-42,000)
• Health care and social assistance (-35,000)
• Accommodation and food services (-17,000)
• Federal government (-10,000)

Hiring Activity Grows to 5.4 Million

The total number of hires increased slightly by 131,000 in September, according to the latest JOLTS report.

The industries that increased hiring in September included:

• Construction (+49,000)
• Retail trade (+40,000)
• Information (+24,000)
• Accommodation and food services (+158,000)

Industries reporting decreases in hiring over the month included:

• Manufacturing (-34,000)
• Finance and insurance (-8,000)
• Professional and business services (-30,000)

Total separations, which include quits, layoffs, discharges, and other separations, increased by 144,000 in September. Among that count were layoffs, of which employers reported 127,000 fewer compared to the previous month.

Quits, often regarded as a measure to watch in order to better understand employee confidence, spiked by 321,000 in September. Quits are up 375,000 compared to this time last year.

What September’s JOLTS Data Means for Employers and Job Seekers

September’s JOLTS data points to a labor market that is gaining momentum and remains competitive. Job openings grew to 7.5 million and hiring inched up to 5.4 million, suggesting employers are expanding their search for talent across industries such as construction, manufacturing, and professional and business services. At the same time, layoffs fell by 127,000 and quits spiked by 321,000, indicating that workers are growing more confident about moving to new opportunities.

For employers, rising quits and growing openings underscore the importance of targeted recruiting strategies, retention efforts, and access to qualified talent. For job seekers, success often comes from staying adaptable, highlighting in-demand skills, and acting quickly when opportunities arise.

Whether you’re looking to strengthen your workforce or advance your career, partnering with a staffing expert can help you navigate changing market dynamics with 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 exceptional talent and help job seekers find opportunities aligned with their goals.

As labor market conditions continue to shift across industries, having the right workforce partner can help you stay ahead of change and positioned for success.

Connect with us to learn how Roth Staffing can support your goals in today’s labor market. 

Source: BLS