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2d ago

U.S. Job Openings Fall to 6.9 Million With Hiring at Six-Year Low

The figures point to a cooling job market with less churn, lower bargaining power.

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An employee hiring sign with a QR code is seen in a window of a business in Arlington, Virginia, U.S., April 7, 2023. REUTERS/Elizabeth Frantz
Job opportunities were expected to have declined in February, as the US labor market remains in a 'low-hire, low-fire' state. Economists expected job openings to decline to 6.84 million from 6.95 million in January.
A now hiring sign sits on the side of the road in Garland, Texas, Monday, March 23, 2026. (AP Photo/LM Otero)

Overview

  • The Labor Department's JOLTS report, released Tuesday, showed openings fell to 6.882 million in February from a revised 7.240 million in January.
  • Hiring dropped by 498,000 to 4.849 million as the hires rate slid to 3.1%, the lowest since April 2020.
  • Layoffs rose to 1.721 million and quits fell to 2.97 million, signaling weaker worker confidence and a low-hire, low-fire dynamic.
  • Separate data for February showed payrolls fell by about 92,000 and unemployment rose to roughly 4.4%, reinforcing signs of cooling demand.
  • Economists warn high interest rates, AI adoption, trade and immigration shifts, and higher energy costs from the Iran war could deepen the slowdown, with attention now on Friday’s March jobs report.