US job openings surge in September

US employers posted more jobs in September than they did in the prior month.

The Labor Department reported Tuesday that job openings rose to 7.5 million, up from a revised 7.19 million in August. This figure represents the highest count since May. It also marks a recovery from a recent low of 6.9 million in March. The data suggests that stronger economic growth may be encouraging businesses to hire more workers.

The Job Openings and Labor Turnover Survey indicated that gross hiring increased in September. Layoffs dropped to 1.64 million, the fewest recorded since March 2025. Meanwhile, the number of people quitting their jobs climbed to 3.37 million. This is the highest level in about 18 months, up from 3.04 million in the previous month. Economists often view a rise in quits as a positive signal. Workers typically leave their positions only when they have another job secured or feel confident they can find new work.

Hiring has been sluggish for nearly three years. However, layoffs have remained historically low. This pattern indicates meager churn in the labor market. Low churn provides high job security for current employees. It makes it harder for job seekers to find positions. For the trend to suggest real improvement, it must continue for several months.

Voters head to the polls Tuesday with mixed feelings about the economy. Many remain gloomy over higher prices despite the recent data. The government will release the October jobs report on Friday. FactSet data provider forecasts that employers added 65,000 positions last month. This would improve on the 29,000 added in September. The unemployment rate is expected to stay at 4.2%.

A gain of 65,000 jobs might look weak in previous decades. The current economy does not need to generate as many positions to keep unemployment low. The giant baby boom generation is retiring. Immigration has also dropped sharply. These demographic shifts reduce the number of new workers entering the labor force each month.