The number of US job openings in April rose 5.2% from March to almost 5.4 million, according to seasonally adjusted numbers released today by the US Bureau of Labor Statistics. April had the highest level of job openings since the series began in December 2000.

Job openings increased in healthcare and social assistance but fell in arts, entertainment and recreation. Job openings increased the most in the West.

The job openings rate — a measure of job openings compared with total employment — rose to 3.7% in April from 3.5% in March.

The number of hires edged down 1.6% in April to about 5.0 million. There was little to no change in the number of hires in all industries or regions over the month. The number of separations also fell 3.6% to almost 4.9 million.

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