US Job Openings Rise Slightly to 7.3 Million as Labor Market Holds Steady
NewsData.io · United States · Sep 1, 2026
The Labor Department's July JOLTS report showed job openings edged up to 7.27 million from 7.18 million in June, while layoffs fell and the unemployment rate held at 4.1%. However, gross hiring dipped to 5.1 million and year-to-date net job growth averages just 61,000 per month — an improvement over 2025's near-stagnant pace but still modest. Economists describe the market as 'low fire, low hire,' with companies growing cautious amid the ongoing Iran conflict, an energy-driven cost squeeze, and elevated borrowing costs. August jobs data due Friday is forecast to show 65,000 net new jobs and a slight uptick in unemployment to 4.2%.
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