The number of US job openings edged up 0.9% in July from June to a record high 6.17 million, according to seasonally adjusted numbers released today by the US Bureau of Labor Statistics. The hires and separates rates were also little changed.

The job openings rate — a measure of job openings compared with total employment — remained at 4.0% in July.

Job openings increased in a number of industries with the largest increases occurring in other services, up by 111,000; transportation, warehousing, and utilities, up by 70,000; and educational services, up by 26,000. Job openings decreased in healthcare and social assistance by 72,000; state and local government, excluding education, by 46,000; and federal government by 21,000.

The number of job openings was little changed in the geographic regions.

Bloomberg reports a rising trend in available positions highlights robust labor conditions as steady sales and economic growth keep companies on the hunt. A tighter job market has also placed a premium on skilled and experienced employees, helping to explain why economists anticipate smaller monthly payrolls growth as those workers are on staff.

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