US job openings remain unchanged at 7.6 million in May, April data revised down by 33,000

The number of job openings in United States remained unchanged at 7.6 million in May while job openings for the month of April was revised down by 33,000, according to US Bureau of Labor Statistics.

The data reported by the Bureau came in better than estimates as market participants were expecting 7.3 million job openings triggering reduced chances of rate cuts.

The data also suggest that US economy remained resilient in May despite elevated energy costs due to geopolitical tensions between US and Iran.

"Hires were unchanged at 5.2 million, while total separations changed little at 5.1 million. Within separations, quits (3.1 million) changed little, while layoffs and discharges (1.7 million) were unchanged," Bureau of Labor Statistics said in a press release.

The Bureau said that number of job openings increased in wholesale trade and hires increased in federal government.

Total separations, which include quits, layoffs and discharges, and other separations, was little changed at 5.1 million, while the rate was unchanged at 3.2% and the total separations remained flat in all industries.

"The number of layoffs and discharges was unchanged at 1.7 million, while the rate changed little at 1.1% in May. Layoffs and discharges decreased in arts, entertainment, and recreation," Bureau of Labor Statistics said.

"In May, establishments with 1 to 9 employees and establishments with 5,000 or more employees showed little or no change in job openings, hires, and separations rates," Bureau of Labor Statistics added.

The Bureau said that establishments with one to nine employees and establishments with more than 5,000 employees showed no change in job openings, hires, and separations rates.

April 2026 revisions

The job openings data for April was revised down by 33,000 to 7.6 million while the number of hires was revised up by 99,000 to 5.2 million and the number of total separations was revised up by 60,000 to 5 million.

Within separations, the number of quits was revised up by 66,000 to 3 million, and the number of layoffs and discharges was revised down by 25,000 to 1.7 million, Bureau of Labor Statistics said.