📊 Summary of the Latest State Job Openings and Labor Turnover Report (October 2025)

The State Job Openings and Labor Turnover (JOLTS) report for October 2025 provides a detailed look at labor market dynamics across the United States. This report is a key indicator for understanding the health of the labor market, including job openings, hires, separations, quits, and layoffs at both the national and state levels.

Overview

The October 2025 JOLTS data shows that the U.S. labor market remained relatively stable, with only minor changes in job openings, hires, and separations at the national level. However, some states experienced notable shifts, particularly in the Mountain West and Northeast regions. The report also highlights ongoing trends in quits and layoffs, which are important for assessing worker confidence and employer demand.

Key Findings

  1. Job Openings
    • 📈 The total number of job openings nationwide was unchanged at 7.7 million, with a job openings rate of 4.6%.
    • 📍 Increases in job openings rates were observed in three states:
      • Alaska (+3.6 percentage points)
      • Wyoming (+2.7 points)
      • Montana (+1.8 points)
    • 📉 The number of job openings increased in Alaska (+14,000), Montana (+11,000), Idaho (+9,000), and Wyoming (+9,000).
    • 🏙️ New York saw a notable decrease in job openings (-40,000).
    • 🟰 In 47 states and the District of Columbia, job openings rates were little changed.
  2. Hires
    • 🧑‍💼 The number of hires was steady at 5.1 million, with a hires rate of 3.2%.
    • 📈 Hires rates increased in Alaska (+4.4 percentage points), Wyoming (+1.7 points), and Montana (+1.2 points).
    • 📉 Pennsylvania experienced a decrease in hires rate (-0.7 point).
    • 🟰 Hires rates were little changed in 46 states and the District of Columbia.
  3. Separations
    • 🔄 Total separations (which include quits, layoffs, and discharges) remained steady at 5.1 million.
    • 📉 Separations rates decreased in 8 states and increased in 2 states.
    • 🟰 The national separations rate showed little or no change.
  4. Quits
    • 🚪 The number of quits was little changed at 2.9 million, indicating stable worker confidence in finding new jobs.
    • 🏢 The quits rate increased in establishments with 5,000 or more employees.
  5. Layoffs and Discharges
    • ⚠️ The number of layoffs and discharges was steady at 1.9 million.
    • 📈 Layoffs and discharges increased in New Jersey and South Carolina (+20,000 each), and Michigan (+17,000).
    • 📉 Decreases were seen in Colorado (-25,000), Iowa (-13,000), and Connecticut (-10,000).
    • 🟰 The national layoffs and discharges rate was little changed.
  6. Other Notable Points
    • 🏛️ The number of job openings in the federal government decreased by 25,000.
    • 🏫 State and local government (excluding education) saw an increase in job openings (+23,000).
    • 🏢 Establishments with 1 to 9 employees showed little change in job openings, hires, and separations.

Recent Changes and Methodological Notes

  • The September 2025 JOLTS release was canceled due to a federal government shutdown, but partial data was included in this release.
  • The BLS will transition from monthly to annual state JOLTS releases after December 2025, with the first annual report scheduled for July 2026.

Economic Implications

  • ✅ The stability in job openings and hires suggests the labor market is neither overheating nor contracting sharply.
  • ✅ Increases in job openings and hires in states like Alaska, Wyoming, and Montana may reflect regional economic growth or sector-specific demand.
  • ⚠️ The decrease in job openings in New York and layoffs in some states could signal localized economic challenges.
  • ✅ The steady quits rate indicates workers remain confident in their ability to find new employment, a sign of underlying labor market strength.

💡 Summary

The October 2025 State Job Openings and Labor Turnover report shows a largely stable U.S. labor market, with only minor changes at the national level. Some states, particularly in the Mountain West, saw notable increases in job openings and hires, while others like New York experienced declines. Separations, quits, and layoffs remained steady, suggesting that both employers and workers are maintaining a cautious but steady approach. For policymakers and economists, these trends point to a labor market that is resilient but not without regional disparities. If you have a specific state or industry focus, I can provide more tailored insights.

References:

State Job Openings and Labor Turnover, US Bureau of Labor Statistics


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