American employers in September increased the number of open jobs by 333 thousand, to 7.52 million. This is the highest number in four months and a sign that companies' demand for workers continues as we approach the final quarter of 2026. The index reflects unfilled positions, and not the number of employees who have already been hired. At the same time, the number of staff cuts fell to the lowest level in more than a year. The share of employees who left their jobs voluntarily rose to 2.1%. Together, these changes point to a market where companies continue to look for people and are less likely to part with existing employees, and some of the employed are willing to change jobs themselves. An increase in vacancies together with a decrease in layoffs reinforces the picture of a stable demand for work. However, the four-month listing itself does not indicate how quickly employers will be able to fill open positions. The September data accurately records the state of demand and labor force movement before the start of the fourth quarter.

American employers in September increased the number of open jobs by 333 thousand, to 7.52 million. This is the highest number in four months and a sign that companies' demand for workers continues as we approach the final quarter of 2026. The index reflects unfilled positions, and not the number of employees who have already been hired. At the same time, the number of staff cuts fell to the lowest level in more than a year. The share of employees who left their jobs voluntarily rose to 2.1%. Together, these changes point to a market where companies continue to look for people and are less likely to part with existing employees, and some of the employed are willing to change jobs themselves. An increase in vacancies together with a decrease in layoffs reinforces the picture of a stable demand for work. However, the four-month listing itself does not indicate how quickly employers will be able to fill open positions. The September data accurately records the state of demand and labor force movement before the start of the fourth quarter.