U.S. Job Openings Rose as Layoffs Fell in September

Employers in the United States listed 7.52 million openings in September, compared with a revised 7.19 million in August, Labor Department data released on November 3 showed. The total was the highest since May and above a March trough of 6.9 million.

The agency’s monthly survey also found that hiring increased and layoffs dropped. Layoffs totaled 1.64 million, the lowest since March 2025. About 3.37 million workers quit their jobs, up from 3.04 million in August; the quit rate reached 2.1%, its highest in more than a year.

More openings than unemployed people marks a reversal from a year earlier. The stronger figures may point to improving demand for workers, but recruitment has moved slowly for almost three years. Low layoffs have also meant limited movement in the labor market: employed workers have had relatively strong job security, while people seeking work have faced a tougher search.

Openings increased most in professional and business services, including engineering, accounting and temporary work. Manufacturers, shipping companies, and state and local governments also sought more workers. Economists cautioned that high inflation and higher interest rates could make it costly for businesses to expand hiring.

The October jobs report was due on November 6. Economists surveyed by FactSet expected employers to add 65,000 jobs, up from 29,000 in September, with unemployment holding at 4.2%. A smaller number of job gains can be sufficient to keep unemployment low as many baby boomers retire and immigration declines.