The number of job openings spiked to 7.6 million in April while hiring fell, 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 April
The overall number of job openings in the U.S. economy increased by 731,000 in April surging in some industries including:
- Professional and business services (+668,000)
- Health care and social assistance (+89,000)
- Government (+47,000)
- Construction (+25,000)
- Manufacturing (+24,000)
Three industries reported a decline in job openings in April, including:
- Finance and insurance (-135,000)
- Accommodation and food services (-74,000)
- Retail trade (-43,000)
Hiring Falls in April 2026
While employers posted more job openings, they reported fewer hires in April after hiring had surged in the previous month. The total number of hires fell by 419,000 from March’s number, according to the latest JOLTS report.
The industries that increased hiring in April included:
- Arts, entertainment, and recreation (+25,000)
- Construction (+17,000)
- Government (+5,000)
Industries reporting decreases in hiring over the month included:
- Professional and business services (-131,000)
- Accommodation and food services (-52,000)
- Manufacturing (-20,000)
Total separations, which include quits, layoffs, discharges, and other separations fell by 399,000 in April after rising by nearly that much in March. Among that count were layoffs, of which employers reported 192,000 fewer than the month prior.
Quits, often regarded as a measure to watch in order to better understand employee confidence, fell by 183,000 in April.
Moving Forward in an Evolving Labor Market
Employers continue to seek talent, but with a more measured, intentional approach.
For employers and job seekers alike, this moment calls for focus, flexibility, and disciplined decision-making.
For Employers
With job openings increasing but hiring normalizing from recent highs, employers are balancing demand for talent with a more deliberate pace of hiring. This environment favors strategic workforce planning, prioritizing critical roles, optimizing team structure, and aligning hiring with business needs. Our flexible staffing solutions help organizations stay agile, control costs, and secure the talent needed to support both immediate priorities and long-term growth.
For Job Seekers
While hiring slowed month over month, the overall level of activity remains strong, and rising job openings signal continued opportunity. In an active market like this one, candidates will stand out if they are clear on their goals, aligned in their skillsets, and prepared to move quickly. Our recruiters provide personalized guidance to help you target the right opportunities and navigate the market with confidence.
Why Roth Staffing
As labor market conditions shift, success depends on timing and insight. Roth Staffing combines real-time labor market intelligence with a people-first approach to help employers make informed hiring decisions and candidates 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
