The US Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that in May, U.S. job market activity showed little overall change, though some state-level shifts occurred. Job opening rates rose in Virginia, Georgia, and New York, while New Jersey saw a decline. Hire rates increased in eight states and decreased in three, with notable gains in Alaska and Wyoming. Total separation rates decreased in New Jersey, California, and Florida, but rose in Colorado. Quit rates rose slightly in Georgia and Virginia, and fell in California. Layoffs and discharges also declined in several states, led by Florida and New Jersey. Nationally, rates for job openings, hires, and separations remained stable. BLS writes:
Job openings rates increased in three states and decreased in one state in May, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Over the month, hires rates rose in eight states and fell in three. Total separations rates declined in three states and increased in one. Nationally, job openings, hires, and separations rates showed little or no change during the month.
This release provides estimates for job openings, hires, separations, quits, and layoffs and discharges across the total nonfarm sector for all U.S. states and the District of Columbia. Job openings refer to positions open on the last business day of the month. Hires and separations cover all payroll changes during the month. It also includes 2024 annual JOLTS state levels and rates.
Job Openings
In May, job openings rates increased in Virginia (+1.3 percentage points), Georgia (+1.0 point), and New York (+0.7 point), while they declined in New Jersey (-0.7 point). The remaining 46 states and D.C. saw little change. Nationally, the job openings rate was largely unchanged.
The number of job openings rose significantly in New York (+84,000), Virginia (+63,000), and Georgia (+54,000). New Jersey saw a decline of 35,000. Overall, the number of job openings was mostly stable nationwide.
Hires
Hires rates increased in eight states and declined in three in May, with 39 states and D.C. showing little change. Notable increases occurred in Alaska (+1.8 percentage points), Wyoming (+1.7), and Idaho (+1.4). Decreases were seen in North Carolina (-1.6), Michigan (-0.8), and Indiana (-0.7). Nationally, the hires rate remained steady.
The number of hires climbed in ten states, led by Pennsylvania (+45,000), Arizona (+34,000), and Ohio (+28,000). Meanwhile, North Carolina (-82,000), Michigan (-37,000), and Indiana (-21,000) saw notable declines.
Total Separations
Total separations rates dropped in New Jersey (-1.0 point), California (-0.6), and Florida (-0.6), and rose in Colorado (+1.0). The national rate was unchanged.
In terms of volume, separations decreased in California (-104,000), Florida (-64,000), and New Jersey (-44,000). Colorado was the only state to see an increase (+31,000).
Quits
Quits rates increased in Georgia and Virginia (+0.6 point each) and decreased in California (-0.3). The rest of the country saw little movement.
Georgia (+31,000) and Virginia (+23,000) experienced higher numbers of quits, while California reported a decrease of 69,000. Nationally, quits remained largely unchanged.
Layoffs and Discharges
Layoffs and discharges rates declined in New Jersey (-0.9), Virginia (-0.8), and Florida (-0.7), but increased in Colorado (+0.6). No major changes were observed nationally.
The number of layoffs and discharges fell in five states, most significantly in Florida (-66,000), New Jersey (-40,000), and Virginia (-31,000). Colorado was the only state with a noticeable increase (+18,000).
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