The Job Openings and Labor Turnover Survey (JOLTS) tells us how many job openings there are each month, how many workers were hired, how many quit their job, how many were laid off, and how many experienced other separations (which includes worker deaths).
Key numbers • February 2021
1.4
Job seekers ratio • The number of unemployed persons per job opening
2.5 million
Excess unemployed • The number of unemployed persons in excess of the number job openings
February
Hires continue to slow in the Job Openings and Labor Turnover Survey for January
Next update: May 2021
• April 6, 2021
Today’s Job Openings and Labor Turnover Survey (JOLTS) reports a promising pickup in both job openings and hires in February 2021, a sign that the recovery is finally moving ahead. The increase in hires was notable in accommodation and food services, but decreases in state and local government education are particularly troubling (though we know from March jobs data that state and local government hiring began to pick up in March). Overall, hires remain below its level before the recession hit, but job openings have now edged above its pre-recession levels. Once public health experts indicate it is safe to reopen and the American Rescue Plan (which was passed after today’s JOLTS data were collected) takes effect, I’m confident those openings will grow and translate into hires. Layoffs have held steady over the last couple of months.
One of the most striking indicators from today’s report from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) is the job seekers ratio—the ratio of unemployed workers (averaged for mid-February and mid-March) to job openings (at the end of February). On average, there were 9.8 million unemployed workers compared with only 7.4 million job openings. This translates into a job seekers ratio of about 1.3 unemployed workers to every job opening. Put another way, for every 13 workers who were officially counted as unemployed, there were only available jobs for 10 of them. That means, no matter what they did, there were no jobs for 2.5 million unemployed workers.
As with job losses, workers in certain industries are facing a steeper uphill battle. In the construction industry as well as arts, entertainment, and recreation, there were more than three unemployed workers per job opening. In educational services, accommodation and food services, other services, and transportation and utilities, there were more than two unemployed workers per job opening. As bad as these numbers are, they miss the fact that many more weren’t counted among the unemployed: The economic pain remains widespread with 23.6 million workers hurt by the coronavirus downturn.
On the whole, the U.S. economy is seeing a significantly slower hiring pace than we experienced in May or June. While the pickup in job openings is a promising sign, hiring in February was below where it was before the recession. There was an increase in jobs in the mid-March employment report, but we still have a long way to go before recovering the large job shortfall—11.0 million when using a reasonable counterfactual of job growth if the recession hadn’t occurred—that remains.
Quick reminders about the Job Openings and Labor Turnover Survey (JOLTS):
- JOLTS data provide information on all pieces that go into the net change in the number of jobs. These components include hires, layoffs, voluntary quits, and other job separations (which includes retirements and worker deaths). Putting those components together reveals the overall (or net) change.
- JOLTS data provide information about the end of one month to the end of the next, whereas the monthly employment numbers provide information from the middle of one month to the middle of the next.
Hires, quits, and layoff rates, 2000–2021
| Date | Hires | Quits | Layoffs |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2000-12-01 | 4.1 | 2.2 | 1.5 |
| 2001-01-01 | 4.3 | 2.4 | 1.7 |
| 2001-02-01 | 4 | 2.3 | 1.4 |
| 2001-03-01 | 4.2 | 2.3 | 1.6 |
| 2001-04-01 | 3.9 | 2.4 | 1.4 |
| 2001-05-01 | 4.1 | 2.3 | 1.5 |
| 2001-06-01 | 3.9 | 2.2 | 1.5 |
| 2001-07-01 | 4 | 2.2 | 1.5 |
| 2001-08-01 | 4 | 2.2 | 1.5 |
| 2001-09-01 | 3.8 | 2.1 | 1.6 |
| 2001-10-01 | 3.9 | 2.1 | 1.8 |
| 2001-11-01 | 3.7 | 2 | 1.7 |
| 2001-12-01 | 3.7 | 2 | 1.5 |
| 2002-01-01 | 3.7 | 2.2 | 1.5 |
| 2002-02-01 | 3.7 | 2 | 1.5 |
| 2002-03-01 | 3.6 | 1.9 | 1.4 |
| 2002-04-01 | 3.8 | 2 | 1.5 |
| 2002-05-01 | 3.7 | 1.9 | 1.5 |
| 2002-06-01 | 3.7 | 1.9 | 1.5 |
| 2002-07-01 | 3.8 | 2 | 1.6 |
| 2002-08-01 | 3.7 | 2 | 1.5 |
| 2002-09-01 | 3.7 | 1.9 | 1.5 |
| 2002-10-01 | 3.7 | 1.9 | 1.5 |
| 2002-11-01 | 3.7 | 1.8 | 1.5 |
| 2002-12-01 | 3.7 | 1.9 | 1.5 |
| 2003-01-01 | 3.9 | 1.9 | 1.6 |
| 2003-02-01 | 3.6 | 1.9 | 1.5 |
| 2003-03-01 | 3.4 | 1.8 | 1.5 |
| 2003-04-01 | 3.5 | 1.8 | 1.5 |
| 2003-05-01 | 3.6 | 1.8 | 1.6 |
| 2003-06-01 | 3.6 | 1.8 | 1.6 |
| 2003-07-01 | 3.6 | 1.7 | 1.6 |
| 2003-08-01 | 3.6 | 1.7 | 1.7 |
| 2003-09-01 | 3.7 | 1.8 | 1.5 |
| 2003-10-01 | 3.8 | 1.9 | 1.5 |
| 2003-11-01 | 3.7 | 1.8 | 1.5 |
| 2003-12-01 | 3.8 | 1.9 | 1.5 |
| 2004-01-01 | 3.7 | 1.8 | 1.6 |
| 2004-02-01 | 3.7 | 1.9 | 1.5 |
| 2004-03-01 | 4 | 2 | 1.6 |
| 2004-04-01 | 3.9 | 1.9 | 1.5 |
| 2004-05-01 | 3.8 | 1.8 | 1.5 |
| 2004-06-01 | 3.8 | 2 | 1.4 |
| 2004-07-01 | 3.7 | 2 | 1.4 |
| 2004-08-01 | 3.8 | 2 | 1.5 |
| 2004-09-01 | 3.8 | 1.9 | 1.5 |
| 2004-10-01 | 3.9 | 1.9 | 1.4 |
| 2004-11-01 | 3.9 | 2.1 | 1.5 |
| 2004-12-01 | 3.9 | 2 | 1.5 |
| 2005-01-01 | 3.9 | 2.1 | 1.5 |
| 2005-02-01 | 4 | 2 | 1.6 |
| 2005-03-01 | 4 | 2.1 | 1.6 |
| 2005-04-01 | 4 | 2.1 | 1.5 |
| 2005-05-01 | 3.9 | 2.1 | 1.5 |
| 2005-06-01 | 4 | 2.1 | 1.5 |
| 2005-07-01 | 4 | 2 | 1.4 |
| 2005-08-01 | 4 | 2.2 | 1.4 |
| 2005-09-01 | 4.1 | 2.3 | 1.5 |
| 2005-10-01 | 3.8 | 2.1 | 1.4 |
| 2005-11-01 | 4 | 2.1 | 1.3 |
| 2005-12-01 | 3.9 | 2.1 | 1.4 |
| 2006-01-01 | 3.9 | 2.2 | 1.3 |
| 2006-02-01 | 4 | 2.2 | 1.4 |
| 2006-03-01 | 4.1 | 2.2 | 1.4 |
| 2006-04-01 | 3.8 | 2 | 1.4 |
| 2006-05-01 | 4 | 2.2 | 1.5 |
| 2006-06-01 | 4 | 2.2 | 1.3 |
| 2006-07-01 | 4.1 | 2.2 | 1.4 |
| 2006-08-01 | 3.9 | 2.2 | 1.3 |
| 2006-09-01 | 3.9 | 2.1 | 1.3 |
| 2006-10-01 | 3.9 | 2.2 | 1.4 |
| 2006-11-01 | 4 | 2.2 | 1.4 |
| 2006-12-01 | 3.8 | 2.2 | 1.3 |
| 2007-01-01 | 3.9 | 2.1 | 1.4 |
| 2007-02-01 | 3.8 | 2.1 | 1.3 |
| 2007-03-01 | 4 | 2.2 | 1.4 |
| 2007-04-01 | 3.9 | 2.1 | 1.5 |
| 2007-05-01 | 4 | 2.2 | 1.4 |
| 2007-06-01 | 3.8 | 2.1 | 1.3 |
| 2007-07-01 | 3.8 | 2.1 | 1.4 |
| 2007-08-01 | 3.9 | 2.2 | 1.5 |
| 2007-09-01 | 3.9 | 1.9 | 1.6 |
| 2007-10-01 | 3.9 | 2.1 | 1.4 |
| 2007-11-01 | 3.7 | 2 | 1.4 |
| 2007-12-01 | 3.7 | 2 | 1.4 |
| 2008-01-01 | 3.7 | 2.1 | 1.4 |
| 2008-02-01 | 3.7 | 2.1 | 1.4 |
| 2008-03-01 | 3.6 | 1.9 | 1.4 |
| 2008-04-01 | 3.6 | 2.1 | 1.4 |
| 2008-05-01 | 3.4 | 1.9 | 1.4 |
| 2008-06-01 | 3.6 | 1.9 | 1.6 |
| 2008-07-01 | 3.4 | 1.8 | 1.5 |
| 2008-08-01 | 3.4 | 1.8 | 1.6 |
| 2008-09-01 | 3.3 | 1.8 | 1.5 |
| 2008-10-01 | 3.3 | 1.7 | 1.7 |
| 2008-11-01 | 3 | 1.6 | 1.7 |
| 2008-12-01 | 3.2 | 1.5 | 1.8 |
| 2009-01-01 | 3.1 | 1.5 | 1.9 |
| 2009-02-01 | 3 | 1.5 | 1.9 |
| 2009-03-01 | 2.9 | 1.4 | 1.9 |
| 2009-04-01 | 2.9 | 1.3 | 2 |
| 2009-05-01 | 2.9 | 1.3 | 1.7 |
| 2009-06-01 | 2.8 | 1.3 | 1.7 |
| 2009-07-01 | 3 | 1.3 | 1.7 |
| 2009-08-01 | 2.9 | 1.2 | 1.6 |
| 2009-09-01 | 3 | 1.2 | 1.7 |
| 2009-10-01 | 3 | 1.3 | 1.6 |
| 2009-11-01 | 3.1 | 1.4 | 1.5 |
| 2009-12-01 | 3.1 | 1.4 | 1.6 |
| 2010-01-01 | 3 | 1.3 | 1.4 |
| 2010-02-01 | 3 | 1.4 | 1.4 |
| 2010-03-01 | 3.3 | 1.4 | 1.5 |
| 2010-04-01 | 3.2 | 1.5 | 1.3 |
| 2010-05-01 | 3.4 | 1.4 | 1.3 |
| 2010-06-01 | 3.1 | 1.5 | 1.6 |
| 2010-07-01 | 3.2 | 1.4 | 1.7 |
| 2010-08-01 | 3.1 | 1.4 | 1.4 |
| 2010-09-01 | 3.1 | 1.5 | 1.4 |
| 2010-10-01 | 3.2 | 1.4 | 1.3 |
| 2010-11-01 | 3.2 | 1.4 | 1.4 |
| 2010-12-01 | 3.3 | 1.5 | 1.4 |
| 2011-01-01 | 3.1 | 1.4 | 1.4 |
| 2011-02-01 | 3.2 | 1.5 | 1.3 |
| 2011-03-01 | 3.4 | 1.5 | 1.4 |
| 2011-04-01 | 3.3 | 1.4 | 1.4 |
| 2011-05-01 | 3.2 | 1.5 | 1.4 |
| 2011-06-01 | 3.3 | 1.5 | 1.5 |
| 2011-07-01 | 3.2 | 1.5 | 1.4 |
| 2011-08-01 | 3.3 | 1.5 | 1.4 |
| 2011-09-01 | 3.3 | 1.5 | 1.4 |
| 2011-10-01 | 3.3 | 1.5 | 1.4 |
| 2011-11-01 | 3.3 | 1.5 | 1.4 |
| 2011-12-01 | 3.3 | 1.5 | 1.4 |
| 2012-01-01 | 3.3 | 1.5 | 1.3 |
| 2012-02-01 | 3.4 | 1.6 | 1.4 |
| 2012-03-01 | 3.4 | 1.6 | 1.3 |
| 2012-04-01 | 3.3 | 1.6 | 1.4 |
| 2012-05-01 | 3.4 | 1.6 | 1.5 |
| 2012-06-01 | 3.3 | 1.6 | 1.4 |
| 2012-07-01 | 3.2 | 1.5 | 1.3 |
| 2012-08-01 | 3.3 | 1.5 | 1.4 |
| 2012-09-01 | 3.2 | 1.4 | 1.3 |
| 2012-10-01 | 3.3 | 1.5 | 1.4 |
| 2012-11-01 | 3.3 | 1.5 | 1.4 |
| 2012-12-01 | 3.3 | 1.5 | 1.3 |
| 2013-01-01 | 3.3 | 1.7 | 1.2 |
| 2013-02-01 | 3.4 | 1.7 | 1.2 |
| 2013-03-01 | 3.2 | 1.6 | 1.3 |
| 2013-04-01 | 3.4 | 1.7 | 1.3 |
| 2013-05-01 | 3.4 | 1.6 | 1.3 |
| 2013-06-01 | 3.3 | 1.6 | 1.3 |
| 2013-07-01 | 3.3 | 1.7 | 1.3 |
| 2013-08-01 | 3.5 | 1.7 | 1.3 |
| 2013-09-01 | 3.5 | 1.7 | 1.4 |
| 2013-10-01 | 3.3 | 1.7 | 1.2 |
| 2013-11-01 | 3.4 | 1.7 | 1.2 |
| 2013-12-01 | 3.4 | 1.7 | 1.3 |
| 2014-01-01 | 3.4 | 1.7 | 1.3 |
| 2014-02-01 | 3.4 | 1.8 | 1.3 |
| 2014-03-01 | 3.5 | 1.8 | 1.2 |
| 2014-04-01 | 3.5 | 1.8 | 1.3 |
| 2014-05-01 | 3.5 | 1.8 | 1.2 |
| 2014-06-01 | 3.5 | 1.8 | 1.3 |
| 2014-07-01 | 3.6 | 1.9 | 1.3 |
| 2014-08-01 | 3.5 | 1.8 | 1.2 |
| 2014-09-01 | 3.7 | 2 | 1.2 |
| 2014-10-01 | 3.7 | 1.9 | 1.3 |
| 2014-11-01 | 3.6 | 1.9 | 1.2 |
| 2014-12-01 | 3.7 | 1.8 | 1.3 |
| 2015-01-01 | 3.6 | 2 | 1.3 |
| 2015-02-01 | 3.6 | 1.9 | 1.2 |
| 2015-03-01 | 3.6 | 2 | 1.4 |
| 2015-04-01 | 3.7 | 1.9 | 1.3 |
| 2015-05-01 | 3.6 | 1.9 | 1.2 |
| 2015-06-01 | 3.6 | 1.9 | 1.3 |
| 2015-07-01 | 3.6 | 1.9 | 1.2 |
| 2015-08-01 | 3.6 | 2 | 1.2 |
| 2015-09-01 | 3.7 | 2 | 1.4 |
| 2015-10-01 | 3.7 | 2 | 1.3 |
| 2015-11-01 | 3.8 | 2 | 1.2 |
| 2015-12-01 | 3.9 | 2.1 | 1.3 |
| 2016-01-01 | 3.6 | 2 | 1.3 |
| 2016-02-01 | 3.8 | 2.1 | 1.3 |
| 2016-03-01 | 3.7 | 2 | 1.3 |
| 2016-04-01 | 3.7 | 2.1 | 1.2 |
| 2016-05-01 | 3.6 | 2.1 | 1.3 |
| 2016-06-01 | 3.7 | 2.1 | 1.2 |
| 2016-07-01 | 3.8 | 2.1 | 1.2 |
| 2016-08-01 | 3.7 | 2.1 | 1.3 |
| 2016-09-01 | 3.7 | 2.1 | 1.1 |
| 2016-10-01 | 3.6 | 2.1 | 1.1 |
| 2016-11-01 | 3.7 | 2.1 | 1.2 |
| 2016-12-01 | 3.7 | 2.1 | 1.2 |
| 2017-01-01 | 3.8 | 2.2 | 1.2 |
| 2017-02-01 | 3.7 | 2.1 | 1.2 |
| 2017-03-01 | 3.7 | 2.2 | 1.2 |
| 2017-04-01 | 3.6 | 2.1 | 1.2 |
| 2017-05-01 | 3.7 | 2.1 | 1.2 |
| 2017-06-01 | 3.9 | 2.2 | 1.3 |
| 2017-07-01 | 3.8 | 2.1 | 1.3 |
| 2017-08-01 | 3.8 | 2.1 | 1.3 |
| 2017-09-01 | 3.7 | 2.2 | 1.3 |
| 2017-10-01 | 3.8 | 2.2 | 1.2 |
| 2017-11-01 | 3.7 | 2.1 | 1.2 |
| 2017-12-01 | 3.7 | 2.2 | 1.1 |
| 2018-01-01 | 3.7 | 2.1 | 1.4 |
| 2018-02-01 | 3.8 | 2.2 | 1.2 |
| 2018-03-01 | 3.8 | 2.2 | 1.2 |
| 2018-04-01 | 3.8 | 2.3 | 1.2 |
| 2018-05-01 | 3.9 | 2.3 | 1.2 |
| 2018-06-01 | 3.9 | 2.3 | 1.2 |
| 2018-07-01 | 3.8 | 2.3 | 1.2 |
| 2018-08-01 | 3.9 | 2.3 | 1.2 |
| 2018-09-01 | 3.8 | 2.3 | 1.2 |
| 2018-10-01 | 3.9 | 2.3 | 1.2 |
| 2018-11-01 | 3.9 | 2.3 | 1.3 |
| 2018-12-01 | 3.8 | 2.3 | 1.2 |
| 2019-01-01 | 3.8 | 2.3 | 1.1 |
| 2019-02-01 | 3.8 | 2.4 | 1.2 |
| 2019-03-01 | 3.8 | 2.3 | 1.1 |
| 2019-04-01 | 4 | 2.3 | 1.3 |
| 2019-05-01 | 3.8 | 2.3 | 1.2 |
| 2019-06-01 | 3.8 | 2.3 | 1.2 |
| 2019-07-01 | 4 | 2.4 | 1.2 |
| 2019-08-01 | 3.9 | 2.4 | 1.2 |
| 2019-09-01 | 3.9 | 2.3 | 1.3 |
| 2019-10-01 | 3.8 | 2.3 | 1.2 |
| 2019-11-01 | 3.8 | 2.3 | 1.2 |
| 2019-12-01 | 3.9 | 2.3 | 1.3 |
| 2020-01-01 | 3.9 | 2.3 | 1.2 |
| 2020-02-01 | 3.9 | 2.2 | 1.3 |
| 2020-03-01 | 3.4 | 1.9 | 8.6 |
| 2020-04-01 | 3 | 1.6 | 7.2 |
| 2020-05-01 | 6.2 | 1.7 | 1.6 |
| 2020-06-01 | 5.6 | 1.9 | 1.6 |
| 2020-07-01 | 4.5 | 2.3 | 1.3 |
| 2020-08-01 | 4.6 | 2.1 | 1.1 |
| 2020-09-01 | 4.2 | 2.3 | 1.1 |
| 2020-10-01 | 4.2 | 2.4 | 1.2 |
| 2020-11-01 | 4.2 | 2.3 | 1.5 |
| 2020-12-01 | 3.8 | 2.4 | 1.3 |
| 2021-01-01 | 3.8 | 2.3 | 1.2 |
| 2021-02-01 | 4.0 | 2.3 | 1.2 |
Notes: Shaded areas denote recessions. The hires rate is the number of hires during the entire month as a percent of total employment. The layoff rate is the number of layoffs and discharges during the entire month as a percent of total employment. The quits rate is the number of quits during the entire month as a percent of total employment.
Source: EPI analysis of Bureau of Labor Statistics Job Openings and Labor Turnover Survey
Total hires, layoffs, and quits, 2000-2021
| Date | Hires | Quits | Layoffs |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2000-12-01 | 5426 | 2882 | 2018 |
| 2001-01-01 | 5722 | 3245 | 2220 |
| 2001-02-01 | 5303 | 3053 | 1855 |
| 2001-03-01 | 5528 | 3054 | 2133 |
| 2001-04-01 | 5204 | 3163 | 1883 |
| 2001-05-01 | 5410 | 2993 | 2029 |
| 2001-06-01 | 5109 | 2878 | 2015 |
| 2001-07-01 | 5244 | 2947 | 2038 |
| 2001-08-01 | 5223 | 2928 | 2011 |
| 2001-09-01 | 4954 | 2703 | 2107 |
| 2001-10-01 | 5078 | 2795 | 2319 |
| 2001-11-01 | 4914 | 2560 | 2255 |
| 2001-12-01 | 4829 | 2559 | 1922 |
| 2002-01-01 | 4855 | 2845 | 1907 |
| 2002-02-01 | 4801 | 2572 | 1978 |
| 2002-03-01 | 4706 | 2493 | 1883 |
| 2002-04-01 | 4928 | 2624 | 1956 |
| 2002-05-01 | 4857 | 2537 | 1967 |
| 2002-06-01 | 4869 | 2522 | 2015 |
| 2002-07-01 | 4946 | 2561 | 2102 |
| 2002-08-01 | 4871 | 2561 | 1923 |
| 2002-09-01 | 4879 | 2521 | 2022 |
| 2002-10-01 | 4798 | 2423 | 1935 |
| 2002-11-01 | 4792 | 2403 | 1944 |
| 2002-12-01 | 4893 | 2501 | 2007 |
| 2003-01-01 | 5058 | 2429 | 2109 |
| 2003-02-01 | 4714 | 2490 | 2015 |
| 2003-03-01 | 4470 | 2394 | 1949 |
| 2003-04-01 | 4600 | 2279 | 1998 |
| 2003-05-01 | 4678 | 2291 | 2072 |
| 2003-06-01 | 4682 | 2315 | 2076 |
| 2003-07-01 | 4639 | 2271 | 2062 |
| 2003-08-01 | 4666 | 2195 | 2162 |
| 2003-09-01 | 4799 | 2354 | 1932 |
| 2003-10-01 | 4902 | 2415 | 1969 |
| 2003-11-01 | 4767 | 2411 | 1951 |
| 2003-12-01 | 4984 | 2444 | 2007 |
| 2004-01-01 | 4900 | 2354 | 2037 |
| 2004-02-01 | 4788 | 2448 | 1985 |
| 2004-03-01 | 5227 | 2582 | 2065 |
| 2004-04-01 | 5152 | 2534 | 2010 |
| 2004-05-01 | 4976 | 2428 | 1914 |
| 2004-06-01 | 5009 | 2659 | 1887 |
| 2004-07-01 | 4891 | 2609 | 1885 |
| 2004-08-01 | 5013 | 2586 | 1974 |
| 2004-09-01 | 5062 | 2531 | 2027 |
| 2004-10-01 | 5149 | 2550 | 1903 |
| 2004-11-01 | 5181 | 2789 | 2037 |
| 2004-12-01 | 5153 | 2695 | 1951 |
| 2005-01-01 | 5201 | 2732 | 2008 |
| 2005-02-01 | 5276 | 2651 | 2068 |
| 2005-03-01 | 5273 | 2747 | 2188 |
| 2005-04-01 | 5362 | 2741 | 1957 |
| 2005-05-01 | 5271 | 2763 | 2021 |
| 2005-06-01 | 5376 | 2754 | 2015 |
| 2005-07-01 | 5328 | 2735 | 1898 |
| 2005-08-01 | 5409 | 2957 | 1905 |
| 2005-09-01 | 5493 | 3046 | 2032 |
| 2005-10-01 | 5124 | 2863 | 1873 |
| 2005-11-01 | 5344 | 2895 | 1769 |
| 2005-12-01 | 5294 | 2849 | 1923 |
| 2006-01-01 | 5271 | 2945 | 1784 |
| 2006-02-01 | 5474 | 2965 | 1882 |
| 2006-03-01 | 5524 | 2956 | 1888 |
| 2006-04-01 | 5215 | 2778 | 1853 |
| 2006-05-01 | 5498 | 3002 | 1991 |
| 2006-06-01 | 5455 | 3042 | 1817 |
| 2006-07-01 | 5573 | 3047 | 1860 |
| 2006-08-01 | 5373 | 3056 | 1775 |
| 2006-09-01 | 5288 | 2888 | 1831 |
| 2006-10-01 | 5375 | 2983 | 1898 |
| 2006-11-01 | 5495 | 3043 | 1926 |
| 2006-12-01 | 5214 | 2999 | 1772 |
| 2007-01-01 | 5426 | 2956 | 1922 |
| 2007-02-01 | 5160 | 2933 | 1850 |
| 2007-03-01 | 5479 | 2997 | 1882 |
| 2007-04-01 | 5353 | 2911 | 2000 |
| 2007-05-01 | 5469 | 3010 | 1967 |
| 2007-06-01 | 5267 | 2910 | 1845 |
| 2007-07-01 | 5217 | 2951 | 1896 |
| 2007-08-01 | 5358 | 3014 | 2033 |
| 2007-09-01 | 5344 | 2691 | 2188 |
| 2007-10-01 | 5398 | 2926 | 1998 |
| 2007-11-01 | 5176 | 2784 | 1966 |
| 2007-12-01 | 5119 | 2773 | 1915 |
| 2008-01-01 | 5071 | 2847 | 1989 |
| 2008-02-01 | 5077 | 2881 | 1995 |
| 2008-03-01 | 4924 | 2661 | 1918 |
| 2008-04-01 | 4948 | 2837 | 1958 |
| 2008-05-01 | 4691 | 2607 | 1950 |
| 2008-06-01 | 4893 | 2595 | 2172 |
| 2008-07-01 | 4637 | 2489 | 2071 |
| 2008-08-01 | 4682 | 2445 | 2190 |
| 2008-09-01 | 4499 | 2468 | 2088 |
| 2008-10-01 | 4548 | 2347 | 2250 |
| 2008-11-01 | 4104 | 2157 | 2290 |
| 2008-12-01 | 4348 | 2084 | 2482 |
| 2009-01-01 | 4095 | 1976 | 2581 |
| 2009-02-01 | 4061 | 1952 | 2599 |
| 2009-03-01 | 3858 | 1834 | 2575 |
| 2009-04-01 | 3888 | 1712 | 2654 |
| 2009-05-01 | 3758 | 1683 | 2231 |
| 2009-06-01 | 3639 | 1685 | 2261 |
| 2009-07-01 | 3857 | 1685 | 2267 |
| 2009-08-01 | 3810 | 1555 | 2119 |
| 2009-09-01 | 3944 | 1627 | 2195 |
| 2009-10-01 | 3838 | 1660 | 2028 |
| 2009-11-01 | 4024 | 1810 | 1913 |
| 2009-12-01 | 4004 | 1766 | 2033 |
| 2010-01-01 | 3904 | 1742 | 1880 |
| 2010-02-01 | 3864 | 1844 | 1825 |
| 2010-03-01 | 4302 | 1856 | 1924 |
| 2010-04-01 | 4159 | 1897 | 1749 |
| 2010-05-01 | 4420 | 1813 | 1762 |
| 2010-06-01 | 4111 | 1911 | 2075 |
| 2010-07-01 | 4163 | 1785 | 2166 |
| 2010-08-01 | 4046 | 1842 | 1890 |
| 2010-09-01 | 4034 | 1895 | 1832 |
| 2010-10-01 | 4173 | 1846 | 1745 |
| 2010-11-01 | 4182 | 1887 | 1849 |
| 2010-12-01 | 4299 | 1977 | 1854 |
| 2011-01-01 | 4000 | 1832 | 1827 |
| 2011-02-01 | 4231 | 1958 | 1755 |
| 2011-03-01 | 4430 | 2033 | 1794 |
| 2011-04-01 | 4296 | 1882 | 1792 |
| 2011-05-01 | 4261 | 1965 | 1904 |
| 2011-06-01 | 4366 | 1923 | 1942 |
| 2011-07-01 | 4261 | 1986 | 1845 |
| 2011-08-01 | 4298 | 2031 | 1845 |
| 2011-09-01 | 4429 | 2041 | 1872 |
| 2011-10-01 | 4370 | 1997 | 1794 |
| 2011-11-01 | 4365 | 2039 | 1912 |
| 2011-12-01 | 4356 | 1981 | 1801 |
| 2012-01-01 | 4457 | 2030 | 1797 |
| 2012-02-01 | 4560 | 2130 | 1903 |
| 2012-03-01 | 4575 | 2167 | 1784 |
| 2012-04-01 | 4389 | 2134 | 1880 |
| 2012-05-01 | 4533 | 2138 | 1969 |
| 2012-06-01 | 4440 | 2152 | 1892 |
| 2012-07-01 | 4327 | 2072 | 1722 |
| 2012-08-01 | 4450 | 2069 | 1894 |
| 2012-09-01 | 4302 | 1950 | 1805 |
| 2012-10-01 | 4389 | 2035 | 1891 |
| 2012-11-01 | 4489 | 2078 | 1921 |
| 2012-12-01 | 4452 | 2051 | 1700 |
| 2013-01-01 | 4487 | 2280 | 1678 |
| 2013-02-01 | 4571 | 2298 | 1664 |
| 2013-03-01 | 4369 | 2124 | 1787 |
| 2013-04-01 | 4572 | 2296 | 1793 |
| 2013-05-01 | 4663 | 2234 | 1836 |
| 2013-06-01 | 4440 | 2203 | 1761 |
| 2013-07-01 | 4561 | 2363 | 1713 |
| 2013-08-01 | 4730 | 2316 | 1816 |
| 2013-09-01 | 4726 | 2302 | 1892 |
| 2013-10-01 | 4518 | 2372 | 1675 |
| 2013-11-01 | 4622 | 2391 | 1630 |
| 2013-12-01 | 4614 | 2287 | 1770 |
| 2014-01-01 | 4626 | 2311 | 1806 |
| 2014-02-01 | 4696 | 2411 | 1767 |
| 2014-03-01 | 4763 | 2449 | 1703 |
| 2014-04-01 | 4880 | 2474 | 1764 |
| 2014-05-01 | 4808 | 2483 | 1710 |
| 2014-06-01 | 4925 | 2507 | 1761 |
| 2014-07-01 | 5008 | 2633 | 1781 |
| 2014-08-01 | 4810 | 2549 | 1699 |
| 2014-09-01 | 5149 | 2732 | 1718 |
| 2014-10-01 | 5111 | 2718 | 1835 |
| 2014-11-01 | 4978 | 2600 | 1726 |
| 2014-12-01 | 5192 | 2552 | 1857 |
| 2015-01-01 | 5061 | 2764 | 1789 |
| 2015-02-01 | 5127 | 2741 | 1757 |
| 2015-03-01 | 5126 | 2754 | 1973 |
| 2015-04-01 | 5196 | 2705 | 1856 |
| 2015-05-01 | 5142 | 2743 | 1711 |
| 2015-06-01 | 5125 | 2756 | 1821 |
| 2015-07-01 | 5150 | 2764 | 1703 |
| 2015-08-01 | 5163 | 2879 | 1773 |
| 2015-09-01 | 5287 | 2778 | 1964 |
| 2015-10-01 | 5338 | 2810 | 1845 |
| 2015-11-01 | 5358 | 2897 | 1779 |
| 2015-12-01 | 5540 | 3056 | 1803 |
| 2016-01-01 | 5220 | 2875 | 1805 |
| 2016-02-01 | 5470 | 2994 | 1894 |
| 2016-03-01 | 5359 | 2917 | 1850 |
| 2016-04-01 | 5294 | 2955 | 1771 |
| 2016-05-01 | 5197 | 3009 | 1825 |
| 2016-06-01 | 5281 | 3018 | 1750 |
| 2016-07-01 | 5426 | 2967 | 1759 |
| 2016-08-01 | 5327 | 2998 | 1860 |
| 2016-09-01 | 5306 | 3047 | 1588 |
| 2016-10-01 | 5210 | 3074 | 1664 |
| 2016-11-01 | 5308 | 3026 | 1751 |
| 2016-12-01 | 5343 | 2989 | 1708 |
| 2017-01-01 | 5497 | 3166 | 1738 |
| 2017-02-01 | 5345 | 3085 | 1714 |
| 2017-03-01 | 5394 | 3145 | 1759 |
| 2017-04-01 | 5309 | 3028 | 1705 |
| 2017-05-01 | 5477 | 3125 | 1804 |
| 2017-06-01 | 5664 | 3166 | 1935 |
| 2017-07-01 | 5508 | 3107 | 1858 |
| 2017-08-01 | 5571 | 3109 | 1919 |
| 2017-09-01 | 5409 | 3214 | 1885 |
| 2017-10-01 | 5605 | 3177 | 1835 |
| 2017-11-01 | 5463 | 3166 | 1740 |
| 2017-12-01 | 5424 | 3194 | 1676 |
| 2018-01-01 | 5459 | 3034 | 1994 |
| 2018-02-01 | 5633 | 3200 | 1758 |
| 2018-03-01 | 5636 | 3305 | 1783 |
| 2018-04-01 | 5610 | 3366 | 1741 |
| 2018-05-01 | 5865 | 3401 | 1767 |
| 2018-06-01 | 5777 | 3401 | 1793 |
| 2018-07-01 | 5707 | 3444 | 1791 |
| 2018-08-01 | 5863 | 3476 | 1838 |
| 2018-09-01 | 5616 | 3424 | 1778 |
| 2018-10-01 | 5876 | 3460 | 1824 |
| 2018-11-01 | 5815 | 3435 | 1905 |
| 2018-12-01 | 5709 | 3381 | 1824 |
| 2019-01-01 | 5741 | 3521 | 1689 |
| 2019-02-01 | 5668 | 3543 | 1769 |
| 2019-03-01 | 5684 | 3524 | 1721 |
| 2019-04-01 | 6051 | 3494 | 1954 |
| 2019-05-01 | 5719 | 3487 | 1776 |
| 2019-06-01 | 5776 | 3527 | 1771 |
| 2019-07-01 | 5987 | 3627 | 1826 |
| 2019-08-01 | 5907 | 3591 | 1825 |
| 2019-09-01 | 5970 | 3449 | 1982 |
| 2019-10-01 | 5799 | 3414 | 1793 |
| 2019-11-01 | 5842 | 3482 | 1788 |
| 2019-12-01 | 5882 | 3487 | 1952 |
| 2020-01-01 | 5974 | 3568 | 1788 |
| 2020-02-01 | 5979 | 3430 | 1953 |
| 2020-03-01 | 5132 | 2902 | 13046 |
| 2020-04-01 | 3942 | 2107 | 9307 |
| 2020-05-01 | 8272 | 2206 | 2096 |
| 2020-06-01 | 7697 | 2646 | 2204 |
| 2020-07-01 | 6237 | 3182 | 1845 |
| 2020-08-01 | 6431 | 2987 | 1573 |
| 2020-09-01 | 5932 | 3307 | 1555 |
| 2020-10-01 | 6035 | 3352 | 1728 |
| 2020-11-01 | 6019 | 3296 | 2123 |
| 2020-12-01 | 5411 | 3407 | 1823 |
| 2021-01-01 | 5465 | 3306 | 1724 |
| 2021-02-01 | 5738 | 3357 | 1775 |
Note: Shaded areas denote recessions.
Source: EPI analysis of Bureau of Labor Statistics Job Openings and Labor Turnover Survey
The job-seekers ratio, 2000–2020
| Date | Unemployed job seekers per job opening |
|---|---|
| 2000-12-01 | 1.15 |
| 2001-01-01 | 1.16 |
| 2001-02-01 | 1.20 |
| 2001-03-01 | 1.30 |
| 2001-04-01 | 1.35 |
| 2001-05-01 | 1.44 |
| 2001-06-01 | 1.50 |
| 2001-07-01 | 1.53 |
| 2001-08-01 | 1.76 |
| 2001-09-01 | 1.82 |
| 2001-10-01 | 2.12 |
| 2001-11-01 | 2.15 |
| 2001-12-01 | 2.24 |
| 2002-01-01 | 2.22 |
| 2002-02-01 | 2.40 |
| 2002-03-01 | 2.34 |
| 2002-04-01 | 2.45 |
| 2002-05-01 | 2.43 |
| 2002-06-01 | 2.46 |
| 2002-07-01 | 2.48 |
| 2002-08-01 | 2.35 |
| 2002-09-01 | 2.51 |
| 2002-10-01 | 2.42 |
| 2002-11-01 | 2.44 |
| 2002-12-01 | 2.71 |
| 2003-01-01 | 2.49 |
| 2003-02-01 | 2.66 |
| 2003-03-01 | 2.81 |
| 2003-04-01 | 2.86 |
| 2003-05-01 | 2.77 |
| 2003-06-01 | 2.70 |
| 2003-07-01 | 3.00 |
| 2003-08-01 | 2.79 |
| 2003-09-01 | 2.86 |
| 2003-10-01 | 2.62 |
| 2003-11-01 | 2.54 |
| 2003-12-01 | 2.44 |
| 2004-01-01 | 2.41 |
| 2004-02-01 | 2.36 |
| 2004-03-01 | 2.36 |
| 2004-04-01 | 2.33 |
| 2004-05-01 | 2.22 |
| 2004-06-01 | 2.46 |
| 2004-07-01 | 2.11 |
| 2004-08-01 | 2.25 |
| 2004-09-01 | 2.09 |
| 2004-10-01 | 2.03 |
| 2004-11-01 | 2.28 |
| 2004-12-01 | 1.93 |
| 2005-01-01 | 2.07 |
| 2005-02-01 | 1.98 |
| 2005-03-01 | 1.91 |
| 2005-04-01 | 1.84 |
| 2005-05-01 | 2.00 |
| 2005-06-01 | 1.84 |
| 2005-07-01 | 1.73 |
| 2005-08-01 | 1.80 |
| 2005-09-01 | 1.72 |
| 2005-10-01 | 1.79 |
| 2005-11-01 | 1.75 |
| 2005-12-01 | 1.67 |
| 2006-01-01 | 1.62 |
| 2006-02-01 | 1.65 |
| 2006-03-01 | 1.50 |
| 2006-04-01 | 1.47 |
| 2006-05-01 | 1.57 |
| 2006-06-01 | 1.54 |
| 2006-07-01 | 1.62 |
| 2006-08-01 | 1.48 |
| 2006-09-01 | 1.43 |
| 2006-10-01 | 1.48 |
| 2006-11-01 | 1.47 |
| 2006-12-01 | 1.50 |
| 2007-01-01 | 1.47 |
| 2007-02-01 | 1.45 |
| 2007-03-01 | 1.37 |
| 2007-04-01 | 1.45 |
| 2007-05-01 | 1.48 |
| 2007-06-01 | 1.45 |
| 2007-07-01 | 1.55 |
| 2007-08-01 | 1.57 |
| 2007-09-01 | 1.55 |
| 2007-10-01 | 1.56 |
| 2007-11-01 | 1.60 |
| 2007-12-01 | 1.69 |
| 2008-01-01 | 1.64 |
| 2008-02-01 | 1.79 |
| 2008-03-01 | 1.83 |
| 2008-04-01 | 1.99 |
| 2008-05-01 | 2.02 |
| 2008-06-01 | 2.29 |
| 2008-07-01 | 2.45 |
| 2008-08-01 | 2.58 |
| 2008-09-01 | 3.04 |
| 2008-10-01 | 3.05 |
| 2008-11-01 | 3.38 |
| 2008-12-01 | 3.71 |
| 2009-01-01 | 4.56 |
| 2009-02-01 | 4.60 |
| 2009-03-01 | 5.38 |
| 2009-04-01 | 6.18 |
| 2009-05-01 | 5.73 |
| 2009-06-01 | 5.85 |
| 2009-07-01 | 6.59 |
| 2009-08-01 | 6.38 |
| 2009-09-01 | 6.10 |
| 2009-10-01 | 6.35 |
| 2009-11-01 | 6.06 |
| 2009-12-01 | 5.87 |
| 2010-01-01 | 5.32 |
| 2010-02-01 | 5.69 |
| 2010-03-01 | 5.70 |
| 2010-04-01 | 4.78 |
| 2010-05-01 | 4.91 |
| 2010-06-01 | 5.17 |
| 2010-07-01 | 4.73 |
| 2010-08-01 | 4.87 |
| 2010-09-01 | 4.99 |
| 2010-10-01 | 4.57 |
| 2010-11-01 | 4.58 |
| 2010-12-01 | 4.64 |
| 2011-01-01 | 4.48 |
| 2011-02-01 | 4.27 |
| 2011-03-01 | 4.25 |
| 2011-04-01 | 4.27 |
| 2011-05-01 | 4.38 |
| 2011-06-01 | 4.01 |
| 2011-07-01 | 3.81 |
| 2011-08-01 | 4.17 |
| 2011-09-01 | 3.65 |
| 2011-10-01 | 3.72 |
| 2011-11-01 | 3.70 |
| 2011-12-01 | 3.44 |
| 2012-01-01 | 3.28 |
| 2012-02-01 | 3.53 |
| 2012-03-01 | 3.19 |
| 2012-04-01 | 3.34 |
| 2012-05-01 | 3.31 |
| 2012-06-01 | 3.24 |
| 2012-07-01 | 3.36 |
| 2012-08-01 | 3.23 |
| 2012-09-01 | 3.12 |
| 2012-10-01 | 3.20 |
| 2012-11-01 | 3.13 |
| 2012-12-01 | 3.12 |
| 2013-01-01 | 3.11 |
| 2013-02-01 | 2.95 |
| 2013-03-01 | 2.88 |
| 2013-04-01 | 2.94 |
| 2013-05-01 | 2.82 |
| 2013-06-01 | 2.78 |
| 2013-07-01 | 2.91 |
| 2013-08-01 | 2.76 |
| 2013-09-01 | 2.71 |
| 2013-10-01 | 2.60 |
| 2013-11-01 | 2.57 |
| 2013-12-01 | 2.50 |
| 2014-01-01 | 2.49 |
| 2014-02-01 | 2.37 |
| 2014-03-01 | 2.29 |
| 2014-04-01 | 2.14 |
| 2014-05-01 | 2.03 |
| 2014-06-01 | 1.91 |
| 2014-07-01 | 1.98 |
| 2014-08-01 | 1.76 |
| 2014-09-01 | 1.86 |
| 2014-10-01 | 1.80 |
| 2014-11-01 | 1.84 |
| 2014-12-01 | 1.72 |
| 2015-01-01 | 1.64 |
| 2015-02-01 | 1.57 |
| 2015-03-01 | 1.64 |
| 2015-04-01 | 1.55 |
| 2015-05-01 | 1.54 |
| 2015-06-01 | 1.56 |
| 2015-07-01 | 1.33 |
| 2015-08-01 | 1.45 |
| 2015-09-01 | 1.44 |
| 2015-10-01 | 1.38 |
| 2015-11-01 | 1.39 |
| 2015-12-01 | 1.33 |
| 2016-01-01 | 1.27 |
| 2016-02-01 | 1.36 |
| 2016-03-01 | 1.31 |
| 2016-04-01 | 1.35 |
| 2016-05-01 | 1.33 |
| 2016-06-01 | 1.34 |
| 2016-07-01 | 1.29 |
| 2016-08-01 | 1.39 |
| 2016-09-01 | 1.34 |
| 2016-10-01 | 1.37 |
| 2016-11-01 | 1.26 |
| 2016-12-01 | 1.26 |
| 2017-01-01 | 1.31 |
| 2017-02-01 | 1.22 |
| 2017-03-01 | 1.23 |
| 2017-04-01 | 1.16 |
| 2017-05-01 | 1.19 |
| 2017-06-01 | 1.08 |
| 2017-07-01 | 1.12 |
| 2017-08-01 | 1.10 |
| 2017-09-01 | 1.07 |
| 2017-10-01 | 1.05 |
| 2017-11-01 | 1.07 |
| 2017-12-01 | 1.03 |
| 2018-01-01 | 0.99 |
| 2018-02-01 | 0.99 |
| 2018-03-01 | 0.95 |
| 2018-04-01 | 0.92 |
| 2018-05-01 | 0.90 |
| 2018-06-01 | 0.86 |
| 2018-07-01 | 0.85 |
| 2018-08-01 | 0.85 |
| 2018-09-01 | 0.83 |
| 2018-10-01 | 0.84 |
| 2018-11-01 | 0.82 |
| 2018-12-01 | 0.86 |
| 2019-01-01 | 0.84 |
| 2019-02-01 | 0.87 |
| 2019-03-01 | 0.83 |
| 2019-04-01 | 0.82 |
| 2019-05-01 | 0.82 |
| 2019-06-01 | 0.83 |
| 2019-07-01 | 0.84 |
| 2019-08-01 | 0.82 |
| 2019-09-01 | 0.82 |
| 2019-10-01 | 0.81 |
| 2019-11-01 | 0.85 |
| 2019-12-01 | 0.86 |
| 2020-01-01 | 0.80 |
| 2020-02-01 | 0.92 |
| 2020-03-01 | 2.63 |
| 2020-04-01 | 4.76 |
| 2020-05-01 | 3.55 |
| 2020-06-01 | 2.78 |
| 2020-07-01 | 2.22 |
| 2020-08-01 | 2.02 |
| 2020-09-01 | 1.78 |
| 2020-10-01 | 1.58 |
| 2020-11-01 | 1.59 |
| 2020-12-01 | 1.55 |
| 2021-01-01 | 1.42 |
| 2021-02-01 | 1.34 |
Notes: Shaded areas denote recessions. Unemployment levels represent the average of the unemployment level for the current month and the subsequent month in the Current Population Survey to better line up with the job openings data from the Job Openings and Labor Turnover Survey.
Source: EPI analysis of Bureau of Labor Statistics Job Openings and Labor Turnover Survey and Current Population Survey
Job openings levels and unemployment levels, 2000–2021
| date | openings | unemployment, two-month average |
|---|---|---|
| 2000-12-01 | 5088 | 5828.5 |
| 2001-01-01 | 5234 | 6056 |
| 2001-02-01 | 5097 | 6115 |
| 2001-03-01 | 4762 | 6206 |
| 2001-04-01 | 4615 | 6248.5 |
| 2001-05-01 | 4425 | 6355 |
| 2001-06-01 | 4361 | 6533.5 |
| 2001-07-01 | 4447 | 6812.5 |
| 2001-08-01 | 4024 | 7092 |
| 2001-09-01 | 4071 | 7418 |
| 2001-10-01 | 3707 | 7848.5 |
| 2001-11-01 | 3775 | 8130.5 |
| 2001-12-01 | 3677 | 8220 |
| 2002-01-01 | 3699 | 8198.5 |
| 2002-02-01 | 3436 | 8259.5 |
| 2002-03-01 | 3612 | 8451.5 |
| 2002-04-01 | 3471 | 8499 |
| 2002-05-01 | 3457 | 8396 |
| 2002-06-01 | 3412 | 8391.5 |
| 2002-07-01 | 3367 | 8347 |
| 2002-08-01 | 3517 | 8277.5 |
| 2002-09-01 | 3301 | 8279 |
| 2002-10-01 | 3479 | 8413.5 |
| 2002-11-01 | 3514 | 8580 |
| 2002-12-01 | 3169 | 8580 |
| 2003-01-01 | 3441 | 8569 |
| 2003-02-01 | 3229 | 8603 |
| 2003-03-01 | 3099 | 8715 |
| 2003-04-01 | 3108 | 8899.5 |
| 2003-05-01 | 3289 | 9111.5 |
| 2003-06-01 | 3390 | 9138.5 |
| 2003-07-01 | 2981 | 8953.5 |
| 2003-08-01 | 3190 | 8908.5 |
| 2003-09-01 | 3091 | 8826.5 |
| 2003-10-01 | 3305 | 8654 |
| 2003-11-01 | 3324 | 8446.5 |
| 2003-12-01 | 3414 | 8343.5 |
| 2004-01-01 | 3424 | 8268.5 |
| 2004-02-01 | 3532 | 8329 |
| 2004-03-01 | 3525 | 8330.5 |
| 2004-04-01 | 3511 | 8191 |
| 2004-05-01 | 3710 | 8249 |
| 2004-06-01 | 3337 | 8211 |
| 2004-07-01 | 3814 | 8063 |
| 2004-08-01 | 3541 | 7958.5 |
| 2004-09-01 | 3821 | 7994 |
| 2004-10-01 | 3943 | 7996.5 |
| 2004-11-01 | 3472 | 7933 |
| 2004-12-01 | 4074 | 7859 |
| 2005-01-01 | 3804 | 7882 |
| 2005-02-01 | 3965 | 7858.5 |
| 2005-03-01 | 4044 | 7704.5 |
| 2005-04-01 | 4159 | 7661.5 |
| 2005-05-01 | 3797 | 7587.5 |
| 2005-06-01 | 4062 | 7465 |
| 2005-07-01 | 4256 | 7375.5 |
| 2005-08-01 | 4142 | 7449 |
| 2005-09-01 | 4352 | 7503 |
| 2005-10-01 | 4184 | 7509.5 |
| 2005-11-01 | 4248 | 7422.5 |
| 2005-12-01 | 4282 | 7171.5 |
| 2006-01-01 | 4397 | 7124 |
| 2006-02-01 | 4325 | 7128 |
| 2006-03-01 | 4732 | 7096 |
| 2006-04-01 | 4790 | 7050 |
| 2006-05-01 | 4463 | 6990.5 |
| 2006-06-01 | 4614 | 7088 |
| 2006-07-01 | 4394 | 7133 |
| 2006-08-01 | 4710 | 6969 |
| 2006-09-01 | 4737 | 6787 |
| 2006-10-01 | 4591 | 6799.5 |
| 2006-11-01 | 4645 | 6817 |
| 2006-12-01 | 4620 | 6939 |
| 2007-01-01 | 4763 | 7021.5 |
| 2007-02-01 | 4699 | 6829 |
| 2007-03-01 | 4962 | 6790.5 |
| 2007-04-01 | 4689 | 6808 |
| 2007-05-01 | 4657 | 6872.5 |
| 2007-06-01 | 4859 | 7064 |
| 2007-07-01 | 4598 | 7108 |
| 2007-08-01 | 4546 | 7118.5 |
| 2007-09-01 | 4652 | 7203.5 |
| 2007-10-01 | 4636 | 7238.5 |
| 2007-11-01 | 4646 | 7442.5 |
| 2007-12-01 | 4545 | 7665 |
| 2008-01-01 | 4624 | 7591 |
| 2008-02-01 | 4279 | 7659.5 |
| 2008-03-01 | 4225 | 7729.5 |
| 2008-04-01 | 4035 | 8016 |
| 2008-05-01 | 4194 | 8485 |
| 2008-06-01 | 3830 | 8756 |
| 2008-07-01 | 3749 | 9187.5 |
| 2008-08-01 | 3674 | 9466 |
| 2008-09-01 | 3222 | 9784 |
| 2008-10-01 | 3377 | 10306 |
| 2008-11-01 | 3231 | 10912 |
| 2008-12-01 | 3146 | 11672 |
| 2009-01-01 | 2738 | 12478 |
| 2009-02-01 | 2864 | 13162 |
| 2009-03-01 | 2534 | 13639.5 |
| 2009-04-01 | 2295 | 14176 |
| 2009-05-01 | 2549 | 14603 |
| 2009-06-01 | 2503 | 14654 |
| 2009-07-01 | 2232 | 14707.5 |
| 2009-08-01 | 2338 | 14911.5 |
| 2009-09-01 | 2487 | 15180.5 |
| 2009-10-01 | 2406 | 15285.5 |
| 2009-11-01 | 2503 | 15158.5 |
| 2009-12-01 | 2568 | 15072 |
| 2010-01-01 | 2837 | 15079.5 |
| 2010-02-01 | 2666 | 15157.5 |
| 2010-03-01 | 2679 | 15263.5 |
| 2010-04-01 | 3153 | 15087 |
| 2010-05-01 | 2988 | 14661.5 |
| 2010-06-01 | 2801 | 14493 |
| 2010-07-01 | 3082 | 14580 |
| 2010-08-01 | 2999 | 14613.5 |
| 2010-09-01 | 2918 | 14547.5 |
| 2010-10-01 | 3235 | 14798.5 |
| 2010-11-01 | 3211 | 14714.5 |
| 2010-12-01 | 3058 | 14180.5 |
| 2011-01-01 | 3104 | 13916.5 |
| 2011-02-01 | 3226 | 13778.5 |
| 2011-03-01 | 3261 | 13847 |
| 2011-04-01 | 3259 | 13906 |
| 2011-05-01 | 3179 | 13908.5 |
| 2011-06-01 | 3455 | 13862.5 |
| 2011-07-01 | 3623 | 13790.5 |
| 2011-08-01 | 3329 | 13883 |
| 2011-09-01 | 3774 | 13771 |
| 2011-10-01 | 3619 | 13448 |
| 2011-11-01 | 3565 | 13197.5 |
| 2011-12-01 | 3768 | 12945 |
| 2012-01-01 | 3909 | 12805 |
| 2012-02-01 | 3616 | 12763 |
| 2012-03-01 | 3979 | 12679.5 |
| 2012-04-01 | 3793 | 12653 |
| 2012-05-01 | 3835 | 12676 |
| 2012-06-01 | 3911 | 12674 |
| 2012-07-01 | 3735 | 12563.5 |
| 2012-08-01 | 3809 | 12293 |
| 2012-09-01 | 3882 | 12119.5 |
| 2012-10-01 | 3775 | 12064.5 |
| 2012-11-01 | 3878 | 12151.5 |
| 2012-12-01 | 3970 | 12384.5 |
| 2013-01-01 | 3923 | 12210.5 |
| 2013-02-01 | 4004 | 11819.5 |
| 2013-03-01 | 4076 | 11724.5 |
| 2013-04-01 | 3988 | 11707 |
| 2013-05-01 | 4145 | 11702.5 |
| 2013-06-01 | 4150 | 11543 |
| 2013-07-01 | 3885 | 11307 |
| 2013-08-01 | 4085 | 11274.5 |
| 2013-09-01 | 4128 | 11203 |
| 2013-10-01 | 4222 | 10961.5 |
| 2013-11-01 | 4119 | 10595.5 |
| 2013-12-01 | 4121 | 10303 |
| 2014-01-01 | 4127 | 10275.5 |
| 2014-02-01 | 4373 | 10364.5 |
| 2014-03-01 | 4388 | 10041 |
| 2014-04-01 | 4566 | 9780.5 |
| 2014-05-01 | 4747 | 9659.5 |
| 2014-06-01 | 4982 | 9534 |
| 2014-07-01 | 4846 | 9603.5 |
| 2014-08-01 | 5349 | 9430.5 |
| 2014-09-01 | 4914 | 9126 |
| 2014-10-01 | 5012 | 9040 |
| 2014-11-01 | 4843 | 8903.5 |
| 2014-12-01 | 5130 | 8801 |
| 2015-01-01 | 5344 | 8742 |
| 2015-02-01 | 5466 | 8557 |
| 2015-03-01 | 5210 | 8532.5 |
| 2015-04-01 | 5598 | 8692 |
| 2015-05-01 | 5563 | 8540.5 |
| 2015-06-01 | 5248 | 8207 |
| 2015-07-01 | 6056 | 8079.5 |
| 2015-08-01 | 5467 | 7949.5 |
| 2015-09-01 | 5488 | 7914.5 |
| 2015-10-01 | 5773 | 7961 |
| 2015-11-01 | 5708 | 7953.5 |
| 2015-12-01 | 5845 | 7767 |
| 2016-01-01 | 6012 | 7664.5 |
| 2016-02-01 | 5770 | 7831.5 |
| 2016-03-01 | 6129 | 8014 |
| 2016-04-01 | 5803 | 7859.5 |
| 2016-05-01 | 5777 | 7698 |
| 2016-06-01 | 5742 | 7692.5 |
| 2016-07-01 | 5962 | 7712.5 |
| 2016-08-01 | 5677 | 7868.5 |
| 2016-09-01 | 5868 | 7882 |
| 2016-10-01 | 5591 | 7682 |
| 2016-11-01 | 5971 | 7537 |
| 2016-12-01 | 5964 | 7493.5 |
| 2017-01-01 | 5646 | 7421 |
| 2017-02-01 | 5931 | 7247.5 |
| 2017-03-01 | 5813 | 7157.5 |
| 2017-04-01 | 6103 | 7108 |
| 2017-05-01 | 5810 | 6940.5 |
| 2017-06-01 | 6334 | 6843 |
| 2017-07-01 | 6203 | 6952 |
| 2017-08-01 | 6300 | 6959.5 |
| 2017-09-01 | 6279 | 6730 |
| 2017-10-01 | 6380 | 6689.5 |
| 2017-11-01 | 6282 | 6695.5 |
| 2017-12-01 | 6359 | 6564 |
| 2018-01-01 | 6601 | 6543 |
| 2018-02-01 | 6586 | 6544.5 |
| 2018-03-01 | 6833 | 6525 |
| 2018-04-01 | 6910 | 6380 |
| 2018-05-01 | 6987 | 6320.5 |
| 2018-06-01 | 7271 | 6281 |
| 2018-07-01 | 7209 | 6148.5 |
| 2018-08-01 | 7204 | 6102 |
| 2018-09-01 | 7352 | 6100.5 |
| 2018-10-01 | 7295 | 6139.5 |
| 2018-11-01 | 7574 | 6247 |
| 2018-12-01 | 7436 | 6410.5 |
| 2019-01-01 | 7478 | 6285 |
| 2019-02-01 | 7058 | 6164.5 |
| 2019-03-01 | 7332 | 6098 |
| 2019-04-01 | 7257 | 5980 |
| 2019-05-01 | 7279 | 5939.5 |
| 2019-06-01 | 7165 | 5941.5 |
| 2019-07-01 | 7137 | 5984.5 |
| 2019-08-01 | 7150 | 5864 |
| 2019-09-01 | 7100 | 5825 |
| 2019-10-01 | 7340 | 5914.5 |
| 2019-11-01 | 6915 | 5875.5 |
| 2019-12-01 | 6730 | 5820 |
| 2020-01-01 | 7154 | 5756.5 |
| 2020-02-01 | 7012 | 6451 |
| 2020-03-01 | 5769 | 15147 |
| 2020-04-01 | 4630 | 22042 |
| 2020-05-01 | 5447 | 19336 |
| 2020-06-01 | 6112 | 17002.5 |
| 2020-07-01 | 6717 | 14925 |
| 2020-08-01 | 6451 | 13038.5 |
| 2020-09-01 | 6611 | 11792 |
| 2020-10-01 | 6873 | 10888.5 |
| 2020-11-01 | 6766 | 10732 |
| 2020-12-01 | 6752 | 10433 |
| 2021-01-01 | 7099 | 10051 |
| 2021-02-01 | 7367 | 9841 |
Notes: Shaded areas denote recessions. Unemployment levels represent the average of the unemployment level for the current month and the subsequent month in the Current Population Survey to better line up with the job openings data from the Job Openings and Labor Turnover Survey.
Source: EPI analysis of Bureau of Labor Statistics Job Openings and Labor Turnover Survey and Current Population Survey. Unemployment levels represent the average of the unemployment level for the current month and the subsequent month to better line up with the job openings data.
Unemployment and job openings by industry (in thousands), February 2021
| Industry | Unemployment, three-month average | Job openings, three-month average | Ratio |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mining | 104.7 | 18.0 | 5.8 |
| Arts, entertainment, and recreation | 393.7 | 88.3 | 4.5 |
| Construction | 929.7 | 254.3 | 3.7 |
| Accommodation and food services | 1494.0 | 623.7 | 2.4 |
| Educational services | 257.0 | 113.0 | 2.3 |
| Transportation and utilities | 620.7 | 302.3 | 2.1 |
| Other services | 493.3 | 243.0 | 2.0 |
| Real estate and rental and leasing | 131.3 | 72.3 | 1.8 |
| Retail trade | 1109.3 | 690.3 | 1.6 |
| Information | 166.3 | 109.0 | 1.5 |
| Nondurable goods manufacturing | 302.7 | 217.3 | 1.4 |
| Durable goods manufacturing | 385.3 | 284.0 | 1.4 |
| Government | 645.3 | 639.7 | 1.0 |
| Wholesale trade | 177.3 | 190.0 | 0.9 |
| Finance and Insurance | 218.7 | 241.0 | 0.9 |
| Professional and business services | 1123.0 | 1378.0 | 0.8 |
| Health care and social assistance | 733.3 | 1290.7 | 0.6 |
Notes: Unemployment levels represent the average of the unemployment level for the current month and the subsequent month in the Current Population Survey to better line up with the job openings data from the Job Openings and Labor Turnover Survey. Both unemployment data and job openings data are then averaged over three months to smooth for better data reliability. These data are non-seasonally adjusted so caution is warranted when making comparisons across time.
Source: EPI analysis of Bureau of Labor Statistics Job Openings and Labor Turnover Survey and Current Population Survey.
