JOLTS Job Openings

## What this measures

This measures the number of unfilled job positions across all nonfarm establishments in the United States on the last business day of each month. A position counts as open if work is available, it could start within 30 days, and the employer is actively recruiting.

## Why it matters

The count of open positions signals how hard it is to find workers and how much unmet demand exists for labor. When openings are high relative to hires, recruiting costs rise, time to fill lengthens, and wage pressure builds. A sharp drop in openings can mean demand is cooling or that employers have filled roles.

## How to read it

Rising values indicate tightening labor markets and greater difficulty filling roles. Falling values suggest easing conditions, either because positions were filled or employers stopped recruiting. Compare the level to historical ranges and to the pace of hires to assess market tightness.

## What it does not say

This does not distinguish why openings fall, whether positions were filled or withdrawn, and does not indicate wages, skills required, or the duration positions have been open.

## Source

The Bureau of Labor Statistics publishes this series monthly through the Job Openings and Labor Turnover Survey. Palanor pulls the data nightly from the FRED API at the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis.