The number of U.S. job openings dropped by approximately 826,000 year over year in September to 3.25 million, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported today. There were 4.08 million job openings in September 2007.

The job openings rate was 2.3% in September compared with 2.9% in September 2007.

The number of hires fell by 336,000 year over year in September to 4.36 million, according to the BLS. The hires rate was 3.2% in September, down from 3.4% a year ago.

Separations fell by 403,000 year over year in September to 4.05 million. The separations rate was 3.0% in September compared with 3.2% a year ago.