US Job Openings Fall to 6.5 Million, Fewest Since 2020

Labor market remains sluggish despite strong economic growth

Published on Feb. 6, 2026

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The U.S. Labor Department reported that job openings fell to 6.5 million in December, the lowest level in more than five years, reflecting a sluggish labor market despite strong economic growth. Layoffs rose slightly, while the number of people quitting their jobs remained unchanged.

Why it matters

The decline in job openings and modest job growth in recent months suggest the labor market is struggling to keep up with the broader economic recovery, raising questions about the strength and sustainability of the economic expansion.

The details

According to the Labor Department, job openings fell from 6.9 million in November to 6.5 million in December, the fewest since September 2020. Layoffs ticked up slightly, while the number of people quitting their jobs held steady at 3.2 million. The December openings figure came in lower than economists had forecast.

  • The Labor Department reported the job openings data on Thursday, February 6, 2026.
  • The December 2025 job openings data is the lowest level since September 2020.

The players

U.S. Labor Department

The federal agency responsible for collecting and reporting labor market data, including job openings, layoffs, and quits.

Heather Long

Chief economist at Navy Federal Credit Union, who commented on the implications of the weak job openings data.

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What they’re saying

“The hiring recession isn't going to end anytime soon. Job openings in December just fell to their lowest level since September 2020. It's yet another sign of how little hiring – or interest in hiring – is happening in this economy.”

— Heather Long, Chief Economist (Navy Federal Credit Union)

What’s next

The Labor Department is expected to release hiring and unemployment data for January 2026 next Wednesday, which will provide further insight into the state of the labor market.

The takeaway

The decline in job openings and sluggish job growth, despite strong economic expansion, suggest the labor market is struggling to keep pace with the broader recovery, raising concerns about the durability of the economic expansion.