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Handbook of Methods Job Openings and Labor Turnover Survey Overview

Job Openings and Labor Turnover Survey : Overview

The Job Openings and Labor Turnover Survey (JOLTS) program of the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) produces monthly and annual estimates of job openings, hires, and separations for the nation. JOLTS data are available by ownership (private versus public), region, supersector, and select industry sectors. At the total private level, estimates are produced by establishment size class. The JOLTS program also produces estimates for all 50 states and the District of Columbia. State estimates are produced monthly at the total nonfarm level job openings, hires, and separations including quits, layoffs and discharges, and total separations.

JOLTS estimates can be used to gauge labor demand, monitor the dynamics between hires and separations, and measure labor turnover.

Quick Facts: Job Openings and Labor Turnover Survey
Subject areas Employment
Key measures
  • Job openings
  • Hires
  • Separations
How the data are obtained Survey of businesses
Classification Industry, Geography
Classification system

North American Industry Classification Standard (NAICS)

Periodicity of data availability Monthly
Geographic detail National, State, Census region
Scope Nonfarm private sector, Government
Sample sizes

about 21,000 establishments

Revision Information

Preliminary estimates are published and subject to revision for 1 month after initial release. Benchmark revisions occur annually.

Key products
Program webpage
Last Modified Date: March 29, 2024