The number of US job openings in February rose 2.1% from January to 5.74 million, according to seasonally adjusted numbers released today by the US Bureau of Labor Statistics. However, the number of hires fell 2.0%.

The job openings rate — a measure of job openings compared with total employment — rose to 3.8% from 3.7%.

Job openings increased in a number of industries, with the largest changes occurring in healthcare and social assistance, up 73,000; accommodation and food services, up 66,000; and finance and insurance, up 47,000. Job openings decreased by 63,000 in real estate and rental and leasing and by 7,000 in mining and logging. Job openings increased in the Northeast region.

Reuters reports US job openings rose to a seven-month high in February while the pace of hiring slipped, pointing to a growing skills mismatch and a further tightening of labor market conditions.

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