The number of U.S. job openings in May rose 3.8 percent from April to 4.6 million, according to seasonally adjusted numbers released today by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The job openings rate — a measure of job openings compared with total employment — edged up to 3.2 percent in May from 3.1 percent in the month prior.

The number of hires edged down 1.1 percent in May to about 4.7 million, and the number of separations fell 1.2 percent to approximately 4.5 million.

Click on chart to enlarge