The current number of open jobs shifts month to month
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics tracks open jobs through a monthly survey called the Job Openings and Labor Turnover Survey (JOLTS). This survey counts positions that employers are actively trying to fill. The number changes every month based on hiring, layoffs, and business closures across the country.
As of the most recent data, there are millions of open positions across the United States, but the exact count depends on which month you look at and which industry you're checking. The number has fluctuated significantly over the past few years — it was much higher during 2021 and 2022, then declined through 2023 and into 2024. If you need the most current figure for this month, the Bureau of Labor Statistics releases JOLTS data on the third or fourth Tuesday of each month.
The gap between open jobs and people looking for work matters for your own job search. When there are more open positions than job seekers, employers compete harder to fill roles and may be more flexible on requirements. When the opposite is true, competition for each opening increases.
Key Takeaways
- The Bureau of Labor Statistics publishes the exact count of open jobs every month through JOLTS, and the number changes based on economic conditions and hiring patterns.
- Open job counts have declined from their 2022 peak but remain in the millions across all industries combined.
- Different industries have vastly different numbers of open positions — healthcare, retail, and hospitality typically have the most openings.
- You can find the current month's job opening data on the Bureau of Labor Statistics website without paying a fee.
Where to find the actual current number
The Bureau of Labor Statistics publishes JOLTS data on its official website at bls.gov. Go to the JOLTS section and look for the most recent monthly release. The report includes the total number of open jobs across the entire country, broken down by industry and region.
The data comes out with a one-month lag — so when you see the report in mid-April, it's showing you what was happening in mid-March. This means the numbers you're reading are never quite current, but they're the most reliable official count available.
News outlets often report on JOLTS releases the day they come out, so if you search for "job openings report" plus the current month, you'll find articles summarizing the latest numbers and what economists think they mean.
How open job counts vary by industry
Not all industries have the same number of open positions. Healthcare, hospitality, retail, and professional services consistently have the highest counts because these sectors are large and experience frequent turnover. Manufacturing, construction, and transportation also regularly show thousands of openings.
Some industries have very few open positions at any given time. Government jobs, for example, are posted through specific civil service systems rather than counted in JOLTS the same way. Highly specialized fields like aerospace engineering or pharmaceutical research may have only dozens of openings nationwide in any given month.
If you're looking for work in a specific field, the JOLTS report can tell you whether that industry is actively hiring or contracting. A declining number of openings in your field might mean you need to expand your search geographically or consider related roles.
What "open job" means in the official count
The Bureau of Labor Statistics defines an open job as a position that exists, is vacant, and the employer is actively trying to fill it. This means the job has been advertised, applications are being accepted, or interviews are happening. A position that's been approved but not yet posted doesn't count. Neither does a job that's posted but the employer isn't seriously hiring for it.
This definition matters because it means the JOLTS count is usually lower than the total number of job postings you'll see on job boards. Job boards include positions posted by recruiters, postings that have been up for months without serious hiring, and duplicate listings. JOLTS counts only positions employers are genuinely trying to fill right now.
How the job market has changed in recent years
In 2021 and early 2022, the number of open jobs exceeded the number of people looking for work — there were roughly two job openings for every person actively job hunting. This created intense competition for workers and gave job seekers significant bargaining power. Wages rose, and employers relaxed requirements to fill positions.
Starting in mid-2022, the number of open jobs began declining. By 2024, the ratio had shifted so there were fewer openings than job seekers. This change happened gradually, not overnight, and different regions and industries experienced it at different times. Some sectors like tech saw sharp drops in hiring, while others like healthcare continued adding positions.
Understanding where we are in this cycle helps you set realistic expectations for your own search. In a tight labor market, you may hear back from fewer applications. In a looser one, employers may take longer to decide but you'll have more leverage once they're interested.
Regional differences in job openings
The number of open jobs varies significantly by state and region. The JOLTS report breaks down data by region, and you can also find state-specific job data through your state's labor department. Some states consistently have more openings than others, partly because of population size and partly because of which industries are concentrated there.
States with large healthcare, technology, or manufacturing sectors tend to have higher absolute numbers of openings. But the ratio of openings to job seekers also matters — a state with fewer total openings might still have better odds if it also has fewer people looking for work.
If you're considering relocating for work, comparing regional job opening data can help you decide where to focus your search. Your state's labor department website usually has this information broken down by county or metro area.
How to use job opening data in your own search
Knowing the overall number of open jobs is useful context, but your individual search depends on your specific skills, location, and industry. A report showing millions of open jobs nationwide doesn't tell you how many are in your field or region.
Use JOLTS data to understand the broader job market climate, then focus on job boards and industry-specific sites for positions that match your background. If the JOLTS report shows your industry is growing and adding positions, that's a positive sign. If it shows declining openings in your field, you might need to expand your search or consider adjacent roles.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics also publishes employment projections showing which occupations are expected to grow over the next decade. This can help you think about whether your current field will have more or fewer opportunities in the future.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often does the Bureau of Labor Statistics release job opening data?
JOLTS data is released once a month, typically on the third or fourth Tuesday. Each release covers the previous month's data. You can sign up for email notifications on the Bureau of Labor Statistics website so you don't miss the release.
Are the job opening numbers the same as job postings I see on Indeed or LinkedIn?
No. JOLTS counts only positions employers are actively trying to fill, while job boards include old postings, recruiter listings, and duplicate posts. JOLTS numbers are usually lower than what you'll see on job boards, but they're a more accurate picture of genuine hiring activity.
Does a high number of open jobs mean I'll find a job easily?
Not necessarily. Millions of open jobs nationwide doesn't mean there are openings in your specific field or location. You'll want to check industry-specific data and regional breakdowns to see whether opportunities exist where you are and what you do.
Can I find job opening data for just my state or city?
JOLTS provides regional breakdowns, and your state's labor department publishes additional state and local data. The Bureau of Labor Statistics website has links to each state's labor agency, where you can find more detailed local information.
What if the job opening numbers are declining — does that mean I shouldn't look for work?
Declining openings mean more competition, but people find jobs in all market conditions. Focus on your specific field and location rather than national trends. Even in a slower market, employers are still hiring — it just may take longer and require more targeted applications.