Job Openings and Hires Rates Largely Unchanged; Minor Fluctuations Noted Across States
In the latest update from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the American job market displayed little overall change in November. While job opening rates decreased in four states and increased in two, the national figures remained steady.
Similarly, hiring rates saw a decline in five states and a rise in just one, aligning with the minimal national shifts in employment trends.
Job Openings Remain Stable
November witnessed marginal shifts in job opening rates across the United States.
Four states experienced a decrease, with the most notable being Mississippi at a 1.3 percentage point drop. Conversely, Illinois and Colorado saw increases of 1.0 and 0.7 points, respectively. At the national level, however, the job openings rate did not show any significant change.
Hires Rates Consistent Nationally
The national picture for hires rates in November was one of consistency, with little to no change observed. This stability masks some state-level variations, where five states reported a decrease in hires rates, led by Montana with a 1.0 percentage point drop. Alaska stood out as the only state with an increase in its hires rate.
Total Separations Rates Show Little Movement
Total separations rates, which include quits, layoffs, and discharges, remained relatively unchanged in 38 states and the District of Columbia. Notable decreases were seen in Louisiana, Maine, and New Jersey, while South Dakota, North Dakota, and Washington experienced increases.
The overall national total separations rate echoed this trend of minimal change.
Quits Rates Slightly Altered
The November data also revealed minor changes in quits rates across the states. Five states reported decreases, with North Carolina and Tennessee seeing the most significant drops. On the flip side, South Dakota and Michigan had increases in their quits rates. These state-level variations did little to impact the national quits rate, which remained largely unaltered.
The BLS report for November highlights a period of relative stability in the U.S. job market, with minor fluctuations across various states. This steadiness in job openings, hires, and total separations suggests a level of equilibrium in the national employment landscape as the year draws to a close.
Read the full BLS press release here .