U.S. Job Openings Increase to 7.52 Million in September, Layoffs Decline
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported on November 3, 2026, that job vacancies across the United States unexpectedly rose by 333,000 to a seasonally adjusted 7.52 million in September. This increase follows a revised total of 7.19 million job openings in August. Despite the rise in available jobs, overall hiring remained relatively steady, with total hires increasing slightly from 5.27 million in August to 5.40 million in September. The public sector, particularly state and local government agencies, drove much of this increase, adding 104,000 vacancies. Professional and business services also saw a significant rise in openings, adding over 100,000 positions. Concurrently, employer-initiated layoffs and dismissals fell by 127,000 to 1.63 million in September, with the largest decline in healthcare and social assistance. Conversely, voluntary quits increased to 3.40 million, up from 3.02 million in August, with a notable rise in the accommodation and food services industry.
