The US Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that in October 2025, US job openings and hires showed modest changes, with openings rising in three states—Alaska, Wyoming, and Montana—and decreasing in one state, New York. Hires increased in the same three states but fell in Pennsylvania. Total separations decreased in eight states and rose in two, while quits and layoffs/discharges saw mostly minor shifts across states. Nationally, the rates of job openings, hires, separations, quits, and layoffs remained largely unchanged. The data, collected following a partial government shutdown, reflect steady labor market activity at the state level despite some regional fluctuations. The BLS writes:
Job openings rates increased in three states in October, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported today. Over the month, hires rates increased in three states and decreased in one state. Total separations rates decreased in eight states and increased in two states. Nationally, the job openings, hires, and total separations rates showed little or no change in October.
This release includes estimates of the number and rate of job openings, hires, total separations, quits, and layoffs and discharges for the total nonfarm sector and for all states and the District of Columbia. Job openings include all positions that are open on the last business day of the month. Hires and separations include all changes to the payroll during the entire month.
Job Openings
Job openings rates increased in three states and were little changed in 47 states and the District of Columbia in October. The increases occurred in Alaska (+3.6 percentage points), Wyoming (+2.7 points), and Montana (+1.8 points). Over the month, the national job openings rate was unchanged.The number of job openings increased in four states, decreased in one state, and changed little in 45 states and the District of Columbia. The increases in the job openings level occurred in Alaska (+14,000), Montana (+11,000), and Idaho and Wyoming (+9,000 each). The decrease occurred in New York (-40,000). Nationally, the number of job openings was unchanged.
Hires
In October, hires rates increased in three states, decreased in one state, and were little changed in 46 states and the District of Columbia. The increases occurred in Alaska (+4.4 percentage points), Wyoming (+1.7 points), and Montana (+1.2 points), while the decrease occurred in Pennsylvania (-0.7 point). The national hires rate was little changed.The number of hires increased in three states, decreased in one state, and was little changed in 46 states and the District of Columbia. The increases occurred in Alaska (+15,000), Montana (+6,000), and Wyoming (+5,000). The decrease occurred in Pennsylvania (-48,000). Nationally, the number of hires changed little over the month.
Total Separations
In October, total separations rates decreased in eight states, increased in two states, and were little changed in 40 states and the District of Columbia. The largest decreases occurred in Alaska (-2.3 percentage points), Wyoming (-1.7 points), Colorado, and Iowa (-1.1 points each). Increases occurred in Hawaii (+1.1 points) and Minnesota (+0.6 point).The number of total separations decreased in nine states, increased in three states, and changed little in 38 states and the District of Columbia. The largest decreases occurred in North Carolina (-39,000), Virginia (-38,000), and Colorado (-33,000). Increases occurred in Minnesota and South Carolina (+17,000 each) and in Hawaii (+7,000). Nationally, the number of total separations changed little.
Quits
In October, quits rates decreased in seven states and the District of Columbia, increased in one state, and were little changed in 42 states. The largest decreases occurred in Alaska (-1.7 percentage points), Wyoming (-1.3 points), Maryland, and North Carolina (-0.9 point each). The increase occurred in Minnesota (+0.5 point).The number of quits decreased in eight states and the District of Columbia, increased in one state, and was little changed in 41 states. The largest decreases occurred in North Carolina (-45,000), Virginia (-31,000), and Maryland (-24,000). The increase occurred in Minnesota (+15,000). Nationally, the number of quits changed little over the month.
Layoffs and Discharges
In October, layoffs and discharges rates increased in four states, decreased in three states, and were little changed in 43 states and the District of Columbia. The largest increases occurred in South Carolina (+0.8 percentage point), New Mexico (+0.6 point), and New Jersey (+0.5 point). The decreases occurred in Colorado and Iowa (-0.8 point each) and Connecticut (-0.6 point).The number of layoffs and discharges increased in four states, decreased in three states, and changed little in 43 states and the District of Columbia. The largest increases occurred in New Jersey and South Carolina (+20,000 each) and Michigan (+17,000), while decreases occurred in Colorado (-25,000), Iowa (-13,000), and Connecticut (-10,000). Nationally, the number of layoffs and discharges changed little.
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