United States: JOLTS - Job Openings Rate

Macro

2026-09-01

Description

The United States Job Openings Rate is derived from the Job Openings and Labor Turnover Survey (JOLTS) and is released by the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). This indicator reflects the proportion of unfilled job positions in the labor market at a specific time relative to the total number of employment positions. It is often used to observe the supply-demand balance in the labor market. A high job openings rate typically indicates strong demand for labor, while a low rate may signal economic weakness or an oversaturated labor market. Generally, a job openings rate between 3% and 4% is considered normal.

The statistical coverage of this indicator includes all businesses across all states in the U.S., from small enterprises to large corporations, and encompasses all non-farm industries, including sectors such as manufacturing, services, and finance.

This data is released monthly, providing insights into the job openings situation of the previous month.

Published by
United States Department of Labor (Choice)
Frequency
Monthly
Next Update

AI Data Insight

The US Q3 2026 JOLTS job openings rate recorded 4.4%, entirely flat compared to the previous value in Q2 2026, indicating that labor demand has temporarily stabilized after a prolonged period of cooling. Detailed data highlights that the current market is in a "low hiring, low firing" stalemate, where companies' willingness to expand headcounts is conservative, but layoff volumes remain low. Overall labor supply and demand are moving toward balance, providing more flexible room for the Federal Reserve's policy layout.

AI Data Insight

The US Q3 2026 JOLTS job openings rate recorded 4.4%, entirely flat compared to the previous value in Q2 2026, indicating that labor demand has temporarily stabilized after a prolonged period of cooling. Detailed data highlights that the current market is in a "low hiring, low firing" stalemate, where companies' willingness to expand headcounts is conservative, but layoff volumes remain low. Overall labor supply and demand are moving toward balance, providing more flexible room for the Federal Reserve's policy layout.

Description

The United States Job Openings Rate is derived from the Job Openings and Labor Turnover Survey (JOLTS) and is released by the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). This indicator reflects the proportion of unfilled job positions in the labor market at a specific time relative to the total number of employment positions. It is often used to observe the supply-demand balance in the labor market. A high job openings rate typically indicates strong demand for labor, while a low rate may signal economic weakness or an oversaturated labor market. Generally, a job openings rate between 3% and 4% is considered normal.

The statistical coverage of this indicator includes all businesses across all states in the U.S., from small enterprises to large corporations, and encompasses all non-farm industries, including sectors such as manufacturing, services, and finance.

This data is released monthly, providing insights into the job openings situation of the previous month.

Published by
United States Department of Labor (Choice)
Frequency
Monthly
Next Update