Job openings rates increased in three states in October, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported December 30th. Over the month, hires rates increased in three states and decreased in one state. Total separations rates decreased in eight states and increased in two states. Nationally, the job openings, hires, and total separations rates showed little or no change in October.
This release includes estimates of the number and rate of job openings, hires, total separations, quits, and layoffs and discharges for the total nonfarm sector and for all states and the District of Columbia. Job openings include all positions that are open on the last business day of the month. Hires and separations include all changes to the payroll during the entire month.
Job Openings
Job openings rates increased in 3 states and were little changed in 47 states and the District of Columbia in October. The increases in job openings rates occurred in Alaska (+3.6 percentage points), Wyoming (+2.7 points), and Montana (+1.8 points). Over the month, the national job openings rate was unchanged.
The number of job openings increased in 4 states, decreased in 1 state, and changed little in 45 states and the District of Columbia in October. The increases in the job openings level occurred in Alaska (+14,000) and Montana (+11,000), as well as in Idaho and Wyoming (+9,000 each). The decrease occurred in New York (-40,000). Nationally, the number of job openings was unchanged.
Hires
In October, hires rates increased in 3 states, decreased in 1 state, and were little changed in 46 states and the District of Columbia. The increases occurred in Alaska (+4.4 percentage points), Wyoming (+1.7 points), and Montana (+1.2 points). The decrease occurred in Pennsylvania (-0.7 point). The national hires rate was little changed over the month.
The number of hires increased in 3 states, decreased in 1 state, and was little changed in 46 states and the District of Columbia in October. The increases in the hires level occurred in Alaska (+15,000), Montana (+6,000), and Wyoming (+5,000). The decrease occurred in Pennsylvania (-48,000). Nationally, the number of hires changed little over the month.
Total Separations
In October, total separations rates decreased in 8 states, increased in 2 states, and were little changed in 40 states and the District of Columbia. The largest decreases in total separations rates occurred in Alaska (-2.3 percentage points) and Wyoming (-1.7 points), as well as in Colorado and Iowa (-1.1 points each). The increases occurred in Hawaii (+1.1 points) and in Minnesota (+0.6 point). Over the month, the national total separations rate changed little.
The number of total separations decreased in 9 states, increased in 3 states, and changed little in 38 states and the District of Columbia in October. The largest decreases in the total separations level occurred in North Carolina (-39,000), Virginia (-38,000), and Colorado (-33,000). The increases occurred in Minnesota and South Carolina (+17,000 each), as well as in Hawaii (+7,000). Nationally, the number of total separations changed little over the month.
Quits
In October, quits rates decreased in 7 states and the District of Columbia, increased in 1 state, and were little changed in 42 states. The largest decreases in quits rates occurred in Alaska (-1.7 percentage points) and Wyoming (-1.3 points), as well as in Maryland and North Carolina (-0.9 point each). The increase occurred in Minnesota (+0.5 point). Over the month, the national quits rate was little changed.
The number of quits decreased in 8 states and the District of Columbia, increased in 1 state, and was little changed in 41 states in October. The largest decreases in the quits level occurred in North Carolina (-45,000), Virginia (-31,000), and Maryland (-24,000). The increase occurred in Minnesota (+15,000). Nationally, the number of quits changed little over the month.
Layoffs and Discharges
In October, layoffs and discharges rates increased in 4 states, decreased in 3 states, and were little changed in 43 states and the District of Columbia. The largest increases occurred in South Carolina (+0.8 percentage point), New Mexico (+0.6 point), and New Jersey (+0.5 point). The decreases occurred in Colorado and Iowa (-0.8 point each), as well as in Connecticut (-0.6 point). Over the month, the national layoffs and discharges rate was little changed.
The number of layoffs and discharges increased in 4 states, decreased in 3 states, and changed little in 43 states and the District of Columbia in October. The largest increases in the layoffs and discharges level occurred in New Jersey and South Carolina (+20,000 each), and in Michigan (+17,000). The decreases occurred in Colorado (-25,000), Iowa (-13,000), and Connecticut (-10,000). Nationally, the number of layoffs and discharges changed little over the month.
For more information, please see the Job Openings and Labor Turnover Survey (JOLTS) interactive charts at www.bls.gov/charts/state-job-openings-and-labor-turnover/state-job-openings-rates.htm#.
State Job Openings and Labor Turnover Survey estimates for November 2025 are scheduled to be released on Tuesday, January 27, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. (ET)
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