The number of US job openings edged up in October, according to data released today by the US Bureau of Labor Statistics. The number of hires also rose, while separations edged down.

There were 7.1 million job openings in October, up 18.8% year over year and 1.7% from August.

Job openings increased by 45,000 in information; 38,000 in real estate and rental and leasing; 20,000 in educational services; and 17,000 in state and local government education. On the flip side, the number of job openings decreased by 38,000 in state and local government (excluding education) and by 33,000 in transportation, warehousing and utilities.

The job openings rate — a measure of job openings compared with total employment — was 4.5%, up from 4.0% in October 2017.

Reuters reported job openings rebounded in October, but hiring continued to lag, suggesting a recent slowdown in job growth was likely because employers could not find qualified workers.

Click on chart to enlarge.