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3w ago

U.S. Job Openings Drop to 7.57 Million in February, Falling Short of Expectations

Labor market shows signs of cooling as economic uncertainty grows, with February's decline reflecting potential impacts of recent federal policy shifts.

President Donald Trump’s fast-moving policy actions are expected to ripple through the private sector, potentially stifling growth.
A "we're hiring" poster is seen in a window as people visit a retail store during the holiday season in New York City, U.S., December 21, 2022. REUTERS/Eduardo Munoz/File Photo
Flags fly over the Federal Reserve Headquarters on a windy day in Washington, U.S., May 26, 2017. REUTERS/Kevin Lamarque/File Photo
Construction workers install windows on a nearly completed office building in San Diego, California, U.S., October 9, 2024. REUTERS/Mike Blake/File Photo

Overview

  • The Bureau of Labor Statistics reported 7.57 million job openings in February 2025, down from 7.76 million in January.
  • February's figure fell short of economists' expectations of 7.625 million, based on FactSet consensus estimates.
  • Economists suggest the decline reflects growing economic uncertainty tied to the Trump administration's recent federal workforce reductions and other policy actions.
  • Despite the cooling trend, January data showed steady hiring, low layoffs, and increased worker quits, signaling underlying worker confidence.
  • Experts caution that the full impact of federal policy changes on the labor market and broader economy may not yet be fully realized.