US Job Openings Drop to 6.5 Million, Lowest Since 2020

Decline signals continued sluggishness in American labor market

Published on Feb. 7, 2026

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The U.S. Department of Labor reported that job openings fell to 6.5 million in December, down from 6.9 million the previous month. This marks the lowest level of job vacancies in over five years, indicating ongoing sluggishness in the American labor market.

Why it matters

The decline in job openings is a concerning sign for the health of the U.S. economy, as it suggests employers are pulling back on hiring amid broader economic uncertainty. This could impact employment levels, consumer spending, and overall economic growth.

The details

According to the Labor Department's data, the number of available jobs in the U.S. fell by 400,000 from November to December 2025, reaching the lowest point since early 2020 when the COVID-19 pandemic first began impacting the job market.

  • The Labor Department reported the job openings data on February 7, 2026.
  • The job openings figure declined from 6.9 million in November 2025 to 6.5 million in December 2025.

The players

U.S. Department of Labor

The federal agency responsible for collecting and reporting labor market data, including the monthly Job Openings and Labor Turnover Survey (JOLTS).

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The takeaway

The drop in job openings to the lowest level in over five years is a concerning sign for the U.S. economy, as it suggests employers are becoming more cautious about hiring amid broader economic uncertainty. This could foreshadow potential slowdowns in employment, consumer spending, and overall growth in the months ahead.