The number of job openings and hires were unchanged in May at 7.6 million and 5.2 million, respectively, 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 7.6 Million Job Openings in May 

The overall number of job openings in the U.S. economy increased by 9,000 in May. According to FXStreet, the latest number came in above economists’ expectations of 7.3 million.  

Job openings grew in industries including: 

• Professional and business services (+12,000) 
• Accommodation and food services (+62,000) 
• Retail trade (+8,000) 
• Government (+7,000) 
• Construction (+32,000) 
• Manufacturing (+33,000) 

Three industries reported a decline in job openings in May, including: 

• Health care and social assistance (-115,000) 
• Finance and insurance (-69,000) 
• Transportation, warehousing, and utilities (-43,000) 

Hiring Stays at 5.2 Million in May 

The total number of hires held steady in May, falling by just 45,000 compared to April.  

The industries that increased hiring in May included: 

• Professional and business services (+5,000) 
• Government (+32,000) 
• Accommodation and food services (+26,000) 
• Finance and insurance (+2,000) 

Industries reporting decreases in hiring over the month included: 

• Transportation, warehousing, and utilities (-40,000) 
• Construction (-24,000) 
• Manufacturing (-1,000) 

Total separations, which include quits, layoffs, discharges, and other separations, increased by 63,000 in May. Among that count were layoffs, of which employers reported 41,000 more than the month prior.  

Quits, often regarded as a measure to watch in order to better understand employee confidence, inched up by 22,000 in May. Quits have held relatively stable for much of the year and are down 212,000 year-over-year. 

Moving Forward in an Evolving Labor Market 

The latest JOLTS report signals that employer demand for talent continues despite ongoing economic uncertainty. Overall labor market activity remains balanced, with hiring, quits, and layoffs showing little month-over-month change. 

Employers continue to seek talent, but with a measured and strategic approach to workforce growth. For employers and job seekers alike, this environment calls for focus, flexibility, and informed decision-making. 

For Employers 

With job openings holding at a healthy level and hiring activity remaining steady, employers continue to face competition for qualified talent while carefully managing workforce investments. This environment favors strategic workforce planning, prioritizing critical roles, optimizing team structures, and aligning hiring decisions with evolving business objectives. Our flexible staffing solutions help organizations stay agile, manage costs, and access the talent they need to support both immediate priorities and long-term growth. 

For Job Seekers 

A steady level of job openings indicates that opportunities remain available across the labor market. While hiring activity has moderated from the elevated levels seen in recent years, employers are still actively seeking skilled professionals. Job seekers who are clear about their goals, demonstrate relevant skills, and are prepared to act quickly will be best positioned for success. Our recruiters provide personalized guidance to help you identify the right opportunities and navigate the job market with confidence. 

Why Roth Staffing 

As labor market conditions continue to evolve, success depends on having the right insight at the right time. Through our specialized business lines—Ultimate Staffing, Ledgent Finance & Accounting, Ledgent Technology, Adams & Martin Group, and About Talent—we combine expertise and speed with a people-first approach to help employers and job seekers move forward with purpose.   

No matter how the market evolves, we’re here to help you stay ahead.

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

Source: BLS, FXStreet