February Job Openings Hold at 6.9 Million While Hires Drop to 4.8 Million

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that in February 2026, job openings remained relatively unchanged at 6.9 million (4.2 percent), while hires decreased to 4.8 million (3.1 percent), marking the lowest hires rate since April 2020. Total separations were stable at 5.0 million (3.1 percent), with quits at 3.0 million and layoffs/discharges at 1.7 million. Job openings decreased in accommodation and food services (-211,000) and mining and logging (-12,000). Hires saw decreases in accommodation and food services (-178,000) and construction (-88,000).