Updated October 7, 2025
What Is the JOLTS Report? | Definition, Meaning & Today’s Data
What Is the JOLTS Report? | Definition, Meaning & Today’s Data
What Is the JOLTS Report? | Definition, Meaning & Today’s Data
Allio Capital Team
The Macroscope
What Is the JOLTS Report? | Definition, Meaning & Today’s Data
What Is the JOLTS Report?
The JOLTS report—short for the Job Openings and Labor Turnover Survey—is a monthly labor market report published by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). It tracks several key dynamics in the labor market: how many job openings exist, how many people are being hired, and how many are leaving (or forced out of) jobs.
Because the JOLTS report reveals both demand (job openings) and turnover (quits, layoffs, etc.), it gives a richer, more nuanced view of the labor market than many other reports. It complements the more familiar monthly jobs report (nonfarm payrolls, unemployment rate) by showing underlying churn.
In essence, when economists or analysts refer to “JOLTS report today” or “the latest JOLTS,” they’re talking about the newly released monthly snapshot of U.S. labor market dynamics.
JOLTS Meaning & Full Name: What Does JOLTS Stand For?
“JOLTS” is an acronym for Job Openings and Labor Turnover Survey.
Sometimes people ask:
What does JOLTS stand for? → Job Openings and Labor Turnover Survey
What is JOLTS meaning? → It refers to this BLS survey measuring job openings, hires, and separations
What is the JOLTS report? → The monthly data product summarizing that survey
Because JOLTS captures both job openings and labor turnover, it is particularly valuable for gauging the stickiness or fluidity of the labor market.
Key Components of the JOLTS Report
JOLTS breaks down the labor market into several core components. Here’s how each is defined and what it tells us:
Job Openings
These refer to the number of positions that are actively open (not filled) on the last business day of the month.
To count as an “opening,” the job must satisfy multiple conditions:
Openings include part-time, temporary, seasonal, and full-time roles in the non-farm sector.
Job openings are often seen as a proxy for labor demand: more openings typically suggest more demand for workers.
Hires
This measures how many workers were added to payrolls during the month (new jobs or rehires).
It includes full-time, part-time, seasonal, and temporary hires.
It excludes internal transfers, promotions, contractor personnel, or outside consultants.
While openings represent job demand, hires show how much of that demand is actually being converted into employment.
Separations
These are how many employees left their jobs during the month (i.e. moved off payrolls). They are categorized into three subtypes:
Quits (voluntary separations): Workers who choose to leave, excluding retirements or internal transfers.
Layoffs & Discharges (involuntary separations): Employers initiating terminations, layoffs, firings, or closures.
Other Separations: Retirements, death, disability, or internal transfers to another location.
Total separations = quits + layoffs/discharges + other separations.
The quits rate is especially watched as it reflects worker confidence: more quitting often signals that people feel confident they can find new jobs.
How JOLTS Data Is Collected & Published
Survey Methodology & Sample
JOLTS is based on a monthly survey of about 20,000+ business establishments (non-farm, both private and government) across the U.S.
The sample is designed to be representative across industries, sizes, and geographies.
Respondents report on their last business day of the month the counts of job openings, hires, and separations.
To maintain consistency, JOLTS figures are benchmarked or ratio-adjusted based on other BLS datasets (like the Current Employment Statistics program).
Timing & Release Schedule
JOLTS data for a given month are published about two to three weeks after the monthly jobs report (the non-farm payroll/unemployment release) for that same month.
For example, August JOLTS data were released on September 30, 2025.
The BLS provides both national and state-level estimates for all 50 states plus D.C.
Revisions & Seasonal Adjustments
As with many economic data series, JOLTS numbers are subject to revisions as more data comes in over time.
Seasonal adjustments are applied to account for regular seasonality (e.g. summer hiring, holiday effects).
Because of these adjustments and revisions, analysts often look at longer-term trends rather than focusing too heavily on single-month changes.
Why JOLTS Matters: Insights into the Labor Market
JOLTS offers several insights that help economists, businesses, and policymakers understand the dynamics behind the headline employment numbers.
Labor Demand vs. Labor Supply
The job openings figure is a rare indicator of demand for labor: how many jobs employers are trying to fill.
By comparing openings to unemployment, analysts gauge whether the labor market is tight or loose (i.e. more jobs than workers or vice versa).
Quits Rate as a Confidence Measure
A rising quits rate often suggests workers are confident they can find better opportunities, signaling a strong labor market.
Conversely, a falling quits rate might indicate hesitancy, or that workers feel fewer better alternatives exist.
Turnover & Structural Shifts
The “separations” data (quits + layoffs + other) shed light on labor turnover—how dynamic (or stable) the employment environment is.
Patterns in layoffs/discharges may point to economic strains, sectoral disruptions, or business cycles.
Over time, you can observe structural shifts (e.g. decline in certain industries, changes in job-tenure norms) through trends in these metrics.
Together, these facets make JOLTS a rich source for diagnosing the health and direction of the labor market beyond headline unemployment or job growth numbers.
Interpreting Recent JOLTS Data (JOLTS Report Today)
To anchor theory to reality, let's look at the most recent JOLTS figures and what they reveal.
Latest Job Openings & Rates
As of August 2025, the number of job openings was ~ 7,227,000 (seasonally adjusted).
The openings rate (open jobs as a share of employment) was 4.3%.
At the same time:
Hires rate: ~ 3.2%
Total separations rate: ~ 3.2%
Quits rate: ~ 1.9%
Layoffs/discharges rate: ~ 1.1%
These numbers reflect a labor market that is still active, though headline job openings have dipped from their pandemic-era peaks.
Trends in Hires, Separations & Quits
Hiring has softened relative to past years, aligning with broader signs of labor market cooling.
Quits, though still positive, are lower than at peaks, indicating perhaps reduced worker confidence.
Layoffs/discharges remain relatively low, suggesting firms aren’t aggressively trimming staff—yet.
Economically, these trends may hint that while demand for labor remains, its momentum is easing.
What It Suggests About Economic Conditions
A relatively low quits rate could imply workers feel fewer better opportunities exist right now.
Job openings still exceeding hires suggest some slack or mismatch—employers seeking workers but not filling all positions.
As monetary policy tightens or inflation pressures evolve, these signs may presage broader softening in employment or wage growth.
In short: the labor market still has vigor, but it’s showing subtle signs of cooling and uncertainty.
JOLTS vs. Other Labor Market Indicators
JOLTS vs. Unemployment Rate / Jobs Report
The Jobs Report (non-farm payrolls + unemployment rate) focuses more on stock measures: how many people are employed or unemployed.
JOLTS, in contrast, provides flow measures: how many jobs are opening, how many hiring events, and how many separations.
JOLTS data often arrives after the jobs report, so it’s used more for confirming or giving backward-looking context.
Advantages & Limitations of JOLTS
Advantages:
Uniquely offers job openings data (not available elsewhere) to measure demand.
Reveals internal labor dynamics (quits, layoffs) that the jobs report alone doesn’t show.
Helps detect shifts early, especially in labor mobility or structural changes.
Limitations:
Lagged release—comes after the primary jobs report.
Subject to revisions, especially in later months.
Sample-based and thus subject to sampling error, particularly for industry breakdowns.
Doesn’t capture details on wages, underemployment, or workforce participation—all important in labor analysis.
Because of these trade-offs, analysts rarely look at JOLTS in isolation; it’s used together with other data to build a fuller picture.
Use Cases: Who Uses JOLTS & How
Economists, Policymakers & the Fed
The Federal Reserve monitors JOLTS as part of its assessment of labor market tightness and inflation pressures.
Economists use it to forecast future jobs reports, wage trends, or recessions.
Policymakers may use it to guide labor or fiscal interventions.
Businesses & HR Strategists
Companies might compare their recruitment success to macro trends (e.g. whether their hiring challenges are structural or market-wide).
HR planners use quits, turnover, and openings to benchmark retention strategies.
Media, Analysts & Investors
Financial markets often react to JOLTS surprises—especially in job openings or quits.
Analysts use it to shape narrative or sentiment about the economy.
Media outlets highlight key trends (e.g. whether the “Great Resignation” is easing or whether hiring is cooling).
Historical Milestones & Notable Trends
The Great Resignation & Peaks
During 2021–2022, the U.S. saw record-high quits rates and job openings. Many workers voluntarily left jobs in pursuit of better opportunities, coining the term “Great Resignation.”
Job openings in March 2022 reached peaks over 10–12 million in many reports.
Cooling Trends Post-2022
Since those peaks, openings have gradually declined, and quits rates have moderated.
The labor market is showing signs of normalizing, with less frantic turnover and more measured hiring dynamics.
Tracking these shifts helps analysts spot transitions—e.g., from overheated to balanced labor markets.
How to Access & Read JOLTS Data
BLS Website & Reports
The official JOLTS homepage is hosted by the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
It publishes both HTML and PDF releases each month.
The reports include tables broken down by industry, establishment size, and region.
Visualizations, Charts & Data Tools
Many sites (e.g. MacroMicro, EPI) offer interactive charts of job openings, quits, and separation rates.
Analysts often use moving averages or year-over-year comparisons to smooth out volatility.
When reading, pay attention not just to raw levels, but to rates (percentages) and trends over time.
Common FAQs About JOLTS
When is the JOLTS report released each month?
Usually mid-to-late month, about two to three weeks after the monthly jobs report.Does JOLTS include farm jobs or agriculture?
No. It covers non-farm sectors.Why is the quits rate important?
It signals worker confidence: a high quits rate implies workers feel secure enough to leave and find better roles.Can JOLTS predict recessions?
It can offer early signs (e.g. declining openings, rising layoffs), but it's most powerful when combined with other indicators.Are JOLTS numbers revised?
Yes. Initial releases may change as additional data comes in.Where can I access state-level JOLTS data?
On the BLS site, which provides estimates for each state and D.C.
Conclusion & Final Thoughts
The JOLTS report is a powerful tool for understanding the flow dynamics behind the U.S. labor market. By combining job openings, hiring, and separation metrics, it adds depth to what headline employment numbers can’t fully capture.
JOLTS meaning is grounded in the dual nature of demand and turnover.
What is JOLTS? It’s a monthly BLS survey and report.
The JOLTS report today offers the most recent snapshot of labor dynamics.
What does JOLTS stand for? Job Openings and Labor Turnover Survey.
JOLTS definition: a dataset measuring how many jobs are open, how many workers are being hired, and how many leave or are terminated.
While not perfect, it’s an essential part of the macroeconomic toolkit—especially when interpreted alongside other employment, inflation, and macro data.
What Is the JOLTS Report? | Definition, Meaning & Today’s Data
What Is the JOLTS Report?
The JOLTS report—short for the Job Openings and Labor Turnover Survey—is a monthly labor market report published by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). It tracks several key dynamics in the labor market: how many job openings exist, how many people are being hired, and how many are leaving (or forced out of) jobs.
Because the JOLTS report reveals both demand (job openings) and turnover (quits, layoffs, etc.), it gives a richer, more nuanced view of the labor market than many other reports. It complements the more familiar monthly jobs report (nonfarm payrolls, unemployment rate) by showing underlying churn.
In essence, when economists or analysts refer to “JOLTS report today” or “the latest JOLTS,” they’re talking about the newly released monthly snapshot of U.S. labor market dynamics.
JOLTS Meaning & Full Name: What Does JOLTS Stand For?
“JOLTS” is an acronym for Job Openings and Labor Turnover Survey.
Sometimes people ask:
What does JOLTS stand for? → Job Openings and Labor Turnover Survey
What is JOLTS meaning? → It refers to this BLS survey measuring job openings, hires, and separations
What is the JOLTS report? → The monthly data product summarizing that survey
Because JOLTS captures both job openings and labor turnover, it is particularly valuable for gauging the stickiness or fluidity of the labor market.
Key Components of the JOLTS Report
JOLTS breaks down the labor market into several core components. Here’s how each is defined and what it tells us:
Job Openings
These refer to the number of positions that are actively open (not filled) on the last business day of the month.
To count as an “opening,” the job must satisfy multiple conditions:
Openings include part-time, temporary, seasonal, and full-time roles in the non-farm sector.
Job openings are often seen as a proxy for labor demand: more openings typically suggest more demand for workers.
Hires
This measures how many workers were added to payrolls during the month (new jobs or rehires).
It includes full-time, part-time, seasonal, and temporary hires.
It excludes internal transfers, promotions, contractor personnel, or outside consultants.
While openings represent job demand, hires show how much of that demand is actually being converted into employment.
Separations
These are how many employees left their jobs during the month (i.e. moved off payrolls). They are categorized into three subtypes:
Quits (voluntary separations): Workers who choose to leave, excluding retirements or internal transfers.
Layoffs & Discharges (involuntary separations): Employers initiating terminations, layoffs, firings, or closures.
Other Separations: Retirements, death, disability, or internal transfers to another location.
Total separations = quits + layoffs/discharges + other separations.
The quits rate is especially watched as it reflects worker confidence: more quitting often signals that people feel confident they can find new jobs.
How JOLTS Data Is Collected & Published
Survey Methodology & Sample
JOLTS is based on a monthly survey of about 20,000+ business establishments (non-farm, both private and government) across the U.S.
The sample is designed to be representative across industries, sizes, and geographies.
Respondents report on their last business day of the month the counts of job openings, hires, and separations.
To maintain consistency, JOLTS figures are benchmarked or ratio-adjusted based on other BLS datasets (like the Current Employment Statistics program).
Timing & Release Schedule
JOLTS data for a given month are published about two to three weeks after the monthly jobs report (the non-farm payroll/unemployment release) for that same month.
For example, August JOLTS data were released on September 30, 2025.
The BLS provides both national and state-level estimates for all 50 states plus D.C.
Revisions & Seasonal Adjustments
As with many economic data series, JOLTS numbers are subject to revisions as more data comes in over time.
Seasonal adjustments are applied to account for regular seasonality (e.g. summer hiring, holiday effects).
Because of these adjustments and revisions, analysts often look at longer-term trends rather than focusing too heavily on single-month changes.
Why JOLTS Matters: Insights into the Labor Market
JOLTS offers several insights that help economists, businesses, and policymakers understand the dynamics behind the headline employment numbers.
Labor Demand vs. Labor Supply
The job openings figure is a rare indicator of demand for labor: how many jobs employers are trying to fill.
By comparing openings to unemployment, analysts gauge whether the labor market is tight or loose (i.e. more jobs than workers or vice versa).
Quits Rate as a Confidence Measure
A rising quits rate often suggests workers are confident they can find better opportunities, signaling a strong labor market.
Conversely, a falling quits rate might indicate hesitancy, or that workers feel fewer better alternatives exist.
Turnover & Structural Shifts
The “separations” data (quits + layoffs + other) shed light on labor turnover—how dynamic (or stable) the employment environment is.
Patterns in layoffs/discharges may point to economic strains, sectoral disruptions, or business cycles.
Over time, you can observe structural shifts (e.g. decline in certain industries, changes in job-tenure norms) through trends in these metrics.
Together, these facets make JOLTS a rich source for diagnosing the health and direction of the labor market beyond headline unemployment or job growth numbers.
Interpreting Recent JOLTS Data (JOLTS Report Today)
To anchor theory to reality, let's look at the most recent JOLTS figures and what they reveal.
Latest Job Openings & Rates
As of August 2025, the number of job openings was ~ 7,227,000 (seasonally adjusted).
The openings rate (open jobs as a share of employment) was 4.3%.
At the same time:
Hires rate: ~ 3.2%
Total separations rate: ~ 3.2%
Quits rate: ~ 1.9%
Layoffs/discharges rate: ~ 1.1%
These numbers reflect a labor market that is still active, though headline job openings have dipped from their pandemic-era peaks.
Trends in Hires, Separations & Quits
Hiring has softened relative to past years, aligning with broader signs of labor market cooling.
Quits, though still positive, are lower than at peaks, indicating perhaps reduced worker confidence.
Layoffs/discharges remain relatively low, suggesting firms aren’t aggressively trimming staff—yet.
Economically, these trends may hint that while demand for labor remains, its momentum is easing.
What It Suggests About Economic Conditions
A relatively low quits rate could imply workers feel fewer better opportunities exist right now.
Job openings still exceeding hires suggest some slack or mismatch—employers seeking workers but not filling all positions.
As monetary policy tightens or inflation pressures evolve, these signs may presage broader softening in employment or wage growth.
In short: the labor market still has vigor, but it’s showing subtle signs of cooling and uncertainty.
JOLTS vs. Other Labor Market Indicators
JOLTS vs. Unemployment Rate / Jobs Report
The Jobs Report (non-farm payrolls + unemployment rate) focuses more on stock measures: how many people are employed or unemployed.
JOLTS, in contrast, provides flow measures: how many jobs are opening, how many hiring events, and how many separations.
JOLTS data often arrives after the jobs report, so it’s used more for confirming or giving backward-looking context.
Advantages & Limitations of JOLTS
Advantages:
Uniquely offers job openings data (not available elsewhere) to measure demand.
Reveals internal labor dynamics (quits, layoffs) that the jobs report alone doesn’t show.
Helps detect shifts early, especially in labor mobility or structural changes.
Limitations:
Lagged release—comes after the primary jobs report.
Subject to revisions, especially in later months.
Sample-based and thus subject to sampling error, particularly for industry breakdowns.
Doesn’t capture details on wages, underemployment, or workforce participation—all important in labor analysis.
Because of these trade-offs, analysts rarely look at JOLTS in isolation; it’s used together with other data to build a fuller picture.
Use Cases: Who Uses JOLTS & How
Economists, Policymakers & the Fed
The Federal Reserve monitors JOLTS as part of its assessment of labor market tightness and inflation pressures.
Economists use it to forecast future jobs reports, wage trends, or recessions.
Policymakers may use it to guide labor or fiscal interventions.
Businesses & HR Strategists
Companies might compare their recruitment success to macro trends (e.g. whether their hiring challenges are structural or market-wide).
HR planners use quits, turnover, and openings to benchmark retention strategies.
Media, Analysts & Investors
Financial markets often react to JOLTS surprises—especially in job openings or quits.
Analysts use it to shape narrative or sentiment about the economy.
Media outlets highlight key trends (e.g. whether the “Great Resignation” is easing or whether hiring is cooling).
Historical Milestones & Notable Trends
The Great Resignation & Peaks
During 2021–2022, the U.S. saw record-high quits rates and job openings. Many workers voluntarily left jobs in pursuit of better opportunities, coining the term “Great Resignation.”
Job openings in March 2022 reached peaks over 10–12 million in many reports.
Cooling Trends Post-2022
Since those peaks, openings have gradually declined, and quits rates have moderated.
The labor market is showing signs of normalizing, with less frantic turnover and more measured hiring dynamics.
Tracking these shifts helps analysts spot transitions—e.g., from overheated to balanced labor markets.
How to Access & Read JOLTS Data
BLS Website & Reports
The official JOLTS homepage is hosted by the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
It publishes both HTML and PDF releases each month.
The reports include tables broken down by industry, establishment size, and region.
Visualizations, Charts & Data Tools
Many sites (e.g. MacroMicro, EPI) offer interactive charts of job openings, quits, and separation rates.
Analysts often use moving averages or year-over-year comparisons to smooth out volatility.
When reading, pay attention not just to raw levels, but to rates (percentages) and trends over time.
Common FAQs About JOLTS
When is the JOLTS report released each month?
Usually mid-to-late month, about two to three weeks after the monthly jobs report.Does JOLTS include farm jobs or agriculture?
No. It covers non-farm sectors.Why is the quits rate important?
It signals worker confidence: a high quits rate implies workers feel secure enough to leave and find better roles.Can JOLTS predict recessions?
It can offer early signs (e.g. declining openings, rising layoffs), but it's most powerful when combined with other indicators.Are JOLTS numbers revised?
Yes. Initial releases may change as additional data comes in.Where can I access state-level JOLTS data?
On the BLS site, which provides estimates for each state and D.C.
Conclusion & Final Thoughts
The JOLTS report is a powerful tool for understanding the flow dynamics behind the U.S. labor market. By combining job openings, hiring, and separation metrics, it adds depth to what headline employment numbers can’t fully capture.
JOLTS meaning is grounded in the dual nature of demand and turnover.
What is JOLTS? It’s a monthly BLS survey and report.
The JOLTS report today offers the most recent snapshot of labor dynamics.
What does JOLTS stand for? Job Openings and Labor Turnover Survey.
JOLTS definition: a dataset measuring how many jobs are open, how many workers are being hired, and how many leave or are terminated.
While not perfect, it’s an essential part of the macroeconomic toolkit—especially when interpreted alongside other employment, inflation, and macro data.
What Is the JOLTS Report? | Definition, Meaning & Today’s Data
What Is the JOLTS Report?
The JOLTS report—short for the Job Openings and Labor Turnover Survey—is a monthly labor market report published by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). It tracks several key dynamics in the labor market: how many job openings exist, how many people are being hired, and how many are leaving (or forced out of) jobs.
Because the JOLTS report reveals both demand (job openings) and turnover (quits, layoffs, etc.), it gives a richer, more nuanced view of the labor market than many other reports. It complements the more familiar monthly jobs report (nonfarm payrolls, unemployment rate) by showing underlying churn.
In essence, when economists or analysts refer to “JOLTS report today” or “the latest JOLTS,” they’re talking about the newly released monthly snapshot of U.S. labor market dynamics.
JOLTS Meaning & Full Name: What Does JOLTS Stand For?
“JOLTS” is an acronym for Job Openings and Labor Turnover Survey.
Sometimes people ask:
What does JOLTS stand for? → Job Openings and Labor Turnover Survey
What is JOLTS meaning? → It refers to this BLS survey measuring job openings, hires, and separations
What is the JOLTS report? → The monthly data product summarizing that survey
Because JOLTS captures both job openings and labor turnover, it is particularly valuable for gauging the stickiness or fluidity of the labor market.
Key Components of the JOLTS Report
JOLTS breaks down the labor market into several core components. Here’s how each is defined and what it tells us:
Job Openings
These refer to the number of positions that are actively open (not filled) on the last business day of the month.
To count as an “opening,” the job must satisfy multiple conditions:
Openings include part-time, temporary, seasonal, and full-time roles in the non-farm sector.
Job openings are often seen as a proxy for labor demand: more openings typically suggest more demand for workers.
Hires
This measures how many workers were added to payrolls during the month (new jobs or rehires).
It includes full-time, part-time, seasonal, and temporary hires.
It excludes internal transfers, promotions, contractor personnel, or outside consultants.
While openings represent job demand, hires show how much of that demand is actually being converted into employment.
Separations
These are how many employees left their jobs during the month (i.e. moved off payrolls). They are categorized into three subtypes:
Quits (voluntary separations): Workers who choose to leave, excluding retirements or internal transfers.
Layoffs & Discharges (involuntary separations): Employers initiating terminations, layoffs, firings, or closures.
Other Separations: Retirements, death, disability, or internal transfers to another location.
Total separations = quits + layoffs/discharges + other separations.
The quits rate is especially watched as it reflects worker confidence: more quitting often signals that people feel confident they can find new jobs.
How JOLTS Data Is Collected & Published
Survey Methodology & Sample
JOLTS is based on a monthly survey of about 20,000+ business establishments (non-farm, both private and government) across the U.S.
The sample is designed to be representative across industries, sizes, and geographies.
Respondents report on their last business day of the month the counts of job openings, hires, and separations.
To maintain consistency, JOLTS figures are benchmarked or ratio-adjusted based on other BLS datasets (like the Current Employment Statistics program).
Timing & Release Schedule
JOLTS data for a given month are published about two to three weeks after the monthly jobs report (the non-farm payroll/unemployment release) for that same month.
For example, August JOLTS data were released on September 30, 2025.
The BLS provides both national and state-level estimates for all 50 states plus D.C.
Revisions & Seasonal Adjustments
As with many economic data series, JOLTS numbers are subject to revisions as more data comes in over time.
Seasonal adjustments are applied to account for regular seasonality (e.g. summer hiring, holiday effects).
Because of these adjustments and revisions, analysts often look at longer-term trends rather than focusing too heavily on single-month changes.
Why JOLTS Matters: Insights into the Labor Market
JOLTS offers several insights that help economists, businesses, and policymakers understand the dynamics behind the headline employment numbers.
Labor Demand vs. Labor Supply
The job openings figure is a rare indicator of demand for labor: how many jobs employers are trying to fill.
By comparing openings to unemployment, analysts gauge whether the labor market is tight or loose (i.e. more jobs than workers or vice versa).
Quits Rate as a Confidence Measure
A rising quits rate often suggests workers are confident they can find better opportunities, signaling a strong labor market.
Conversely, a falling quits rate might indicate hesitancy, or that workers feel fewer better alternatives exist.
Turnover & Structural Shifts
The “separations” data (quits + layoffs + other) shed light on labor turnover—how dynamic (or stable) the employment environment is.
Patterns in layoffs/discharges may point to economic strains, sectoral disruptions, or business cycles.
Over time, you can observe structural shifts (e.g. decline in certain industries, changes in job-tenure norms) through trends in these metrics.
Together, these facets make JOLTS a rich source for diagnosing the health and direction of the labor market beyond headline unemployment or job growth numbers.
Interpreting Recent JOLTS Data (JOLTS Report Today)
To anchor theory to reality, let's look at the most recent JOLTS figures and what they reveal.
Latest Job Openings & Rates
As of August 2025, the number of job openings was ~ 7,227,000 (seasonally adjusted).
The openings rate (open jobs as a share of employment) was 4.3%.
At the same time:
Hires rate: ~ 3.2%
Total separations rate: ~ 3.2%
Quits rate: ~ 1.9%
Layoffs/discharges rate: ~ 1.1%
These numbers reflect a labor market that is still active, though headline job openings have dipped from their pandemic-era peaks.
Trends in Hires, Separations & Quits
Hiring has softened relative to past years, aligning with broader signs of labor market cooling.
Quits, though still positive, are lower than at peaks, indicating perhaps reduced worker confidence.
Layoffs/discharges remain relatively low, suggesting firms aren’t aggressively trimming staff—yet.
Economically, these trends may hint that while demand for labor remains, its momentum is easing.
What It Suggests About Economic Conditions
A relatively low quits rate could imply workers feel fewer better opportunities exist right now.
Job openings still exceeding hires suggest some slack or mismatch—employers seeking workers but not filling all positions.
As monetary policy tightens or inflation pressures evolve, these signs may presage broader softening in employment or wage growth.
In short: the labor market still has vigor, but it’s showing subtle signs of cooling and uncertainty.
JOLTS vs. Other Labor Market Indicators
JOLTS vs. Unemployment Rate / Jobs Report
The Jobs Report (non-farm payrolls + unemployment rate) focuses more on stock measures: how many people are employed or unemployed.
JOLTS, in contrast, provides flow measures: how many jobs are opening, how many hiring events, and how many separations.
JOLTS data often arrives after the jobs report, so it’s used more for confirming or giving backward-looking context.
Advantages & Limitations of JOLTS
Advantages:
Uniquely offers job openings data (not available elsewhere) to measure demand.
Reveals internal labor dynamics (quits, layoffs) that the jobs report alone doesn’t show.
Helps detect shifts early, especially in labor mobility or structural changes.
Limitations:
Lagged release—comes after the primary jobs report.
Subject to revisions, especially in later months.
Sample-based and thus subject to sampling error, particularly for industry breakdowns.
Doesn’t capture details on wages, underemployment, or workforce participation—all important in labor analysis.
Because of these trade-offs, analysts rarely look at JOLTS in isolation; it’s used together with other data to build a fuller picture.
Use Cases: Who Uses JOLTS & How
Economists, Policymakers & the Fed
The Federal Reserve monitors JOLTS as part of its assessment of labor market tightness and inflation pressures.
Economists use it to forecast future jobs reports, wage trends, or recessions.
Policymakers may use it to guide labor or fiscal interventions.
Businesses & HR Strategists
Companies might compare their recruitment success to macro trends (e.g. whether their hiring challenges are structural or market-wide).
HR planners use quits, turnover, and openings to benchmark retention strategies.
Media, Analysts & Investors
Financial markets often react to JOLTS surprises—especially in job openings or quits.
Analysts use it to shape narrative or sentiment about the economy.
Media outlets highlight key trends (e.g. whether the “Great Resignation” is easing or whether hiring is cooling).
Historical Milestones & Notable Trends
The Great Resignation & Peaks
During 2021–2022, the U.S. saw record-high quits rates and job openings. Many workers voluntarily left jobs in pursuit of better opportunities, coining the term “Great Resignation.”
Job openings in March 2022 reached peaks over 10–12 million in many reports.
Cooling Trends Post-2022
Since those peaks, openings have gradually declined, and quits rates have moderated.
The labor market is showing signs of normalizing, with less frantic turnover and more measured hiring dynamics.
Tracking these shifts helps analysts spot transitions—e.g., from overheated to balanced labor markets.
How to Access & Read JOLTS Data
BLS Website & Reports
The official JOLTS homepage is hosted by the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
It publishes both HTML and PDF releases each month.
The reports include tables broken down by industry, establishment size, and region.
Visualizations, Charts & Data Tools
Many sites (e.g. MacroMicro, EPI) offer interactive charts of job openings, quits, and separation rates.
Analysts often use moving averages or year-over-year comparisons to smooth out volatility.
When reading, pay attention not just to raw levels, but to rates (percentages) and trends over time.
Common FAQs About JOLTS
When is the JOLTS report released each month?
Usually mid-to-late month, about two to three weeks after the monthly jobs report.Does JOLTS include farm jobs or agriculture?
No. It covers non-farm sectors.Why is the quits rate important?
It signals worker confidence: a high quits rate implies workers feel secure enough to leave and find better roles.Can JOLTS predict recessions?
It can offer early signs (e.g. declining openings, rising layoffs), but it's most powerful when combined with other indicators.Are JOLTS numbers revised?
Yes. Initial releases may change as additional data comes in.Where can I access state-level JOLTS data?
On the BLS site, which provides estimates for each state and D.C.
Conclusion & Final Thoughts
The JOLTS report is a powerful tool for understanding the flow dynamics behind the U.S. labor market. By combining job openings, hiring, and separation metrics, it adds depth to what headline employment numbers can’t fully capture.
JOLTS meaning is grounded in the dual nature of demand and turnover.
What is JOLTS? It’s a monthly BLS survey and report.
The JOLTS report today offers the most recent snapshot of labor dynamics.
What does JOLTS stand for? Job Openings and Labor Turnover Survey.
JOLTS definition: a dataset measuring how many jobs are open, how many workers are being hired, and how many leave or are terminated.
While not perfect, it’s an essential part of the macroeconomic toolkit—especially when interpreted alongside other employment, inflation, and macro data.
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