The number of US job openings in March edged up 2.7% from February to almost 5.8 million, according to seasonally adjusted numbers released today by the US Bureau of Labor Statistics. However, the number of hires fell 4.0% from February, which had posted the highest level since 2006.

Professional and business services job openings increased by 124,000, followed by transportation, warehousing and utilities at 35,000 and nondurable goods manufacturing at 29,000. Job openings decreased by 80,000 in retail trade; 36,000 in educational services; and 35,000 in wholesale trade.

The number of job openings was little changed in all four regions.

The job openings rate — a measure of job openings compared with total employment — edged up to 3.9% in March from 3.8% in February.

The number of hires edged down by 218,000 to 5.3 million in March. Hires increased by 23,000 in state and local government education but fell by 85,000 in retail trade and 21,000 in educational services.

Regionally, hires decreased in the West.

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