Job Openings & Labor Turnover (JOLTS)
The Job Openings and Labor Turnover Survey (JOLTS) was created in 2000 to provide a more complete picture of the labor market than employment data alone. While CES tracks the net change in employment, JOLTS reveals the underlying churn — how many positions are unfilled, how many workers are being hired, and how many are leaving (voluntarily or involuntarily).
Job Openings Rate
Unfilled positions as a share of total employment plus openings. A higher rate signals tighter labor markets and greater employer competition for workers.
Quits Rate
Voluntary separations as a share of employment. Called the "take this job and shove it" indicator — rising quits mean workers feel confident enough to leave. Peaked at 3.0% in late 2021 ("Great Resignation").
Layoffs & Discharges Rate
Involuntary separations as a share of employment. Low layoff rates combined with high openings indicate tight labor markets. Spiked dramatically in March–April 2020.
Recent JOLTS Data
| Industry | Date | Openings | Hires | Quits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Public Administration | Feb 2026 | 701,000 | 326,000 | 179,000 |
| Other Services (except Public Administration) | Feb 2026 | 340,000 | 201,000 | 138,000 |
| Accommodation and Food Services | Feb 2026 | 780,000 | 749,000 | 558,000 |
| Arts, Entertainment, and Recreation | Feb 2026 | 126,000 | 146,000 | 60,000 |
| Health Care and Social Assistance | Feb 2026 | 1,279,000 | 620,000 | 416,000 |
| Educational Services | Feb 2026 | 96,000 | 88,000 | 52,000 |
| Real Estate and Rental and Leasing | Feb 2026 | 64,000 | 61,000 | 31,000 |
| Finance and Insurance | Feb 2026 | 337,000 | 137,000 | 73,000 |
| Information | Feb 2026 | 91,000 | 87,000 | 41,000 |
| Transportation and Warehousing | Feb 2026 | 306,000 | 254,000 | 151,000 |