Job openings in the US rose by 9,000 to 7.594 million in May 2026, the highest level since May 2024 and well above market expectations of 7.30 million. The data underscore the resilience of the labor market despite mounting energy costs stemming from the conflict in Iran.
By industry, job vacancies increased in wholesale trade (+71,000), accommodation and food services (+62,000), and real estate and rental and leasing (+40,000). In contrast, openings declined in health care and social assistance (-115,000) and in finance and insurance (-69,000).
Regionally, job openings rose in the South (+88,000) and the Midwest (+115,000), but decreased in the Northeast (-88,000) and the West (-105,000).
Overall hiring was unchanged over the month at 5.2 million, while total separations edged only slightly lower to 5.1 million. Within separations, quits were little changed at 3.1 million, and layoffs and discharges held steady at 1.7 million.
