The number of US job openings fell to 6.6 million in May, backing down from a high of 6.8 million in April, the US Bureau of Labor Statistics reported today. April’s level, which was revised upward, was the highest level since December 2000.

Job openings increased by 12,000 in the federal government and by 10,000 in mining and logging but decreased by 60,000 in information and 27,000 in arts, entertainment and recreation. The number of job openings decreased in the Northeast region.

The job openings rate — a measure of job openings compared with total employment — was 4.3% in May, down from 4.4% in April.

The rate of workers in the private sector quitting their jobs rose to 2.7% in May from 2.5% in April. MarketWatch reported it was the highest level since 2001.

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