The number of US job openings in September rose 2.8% from August to more than 5.5 million, according to seasonally adjusted numbers released today by the US Bureau of Labor Statistics. September had the second-highest level of job openings on record, a sign the labor market continues to strengthen, according to Bloomberg. However, the number of hires in September was little changed.

Job openings increased in professional and business services, and in retail trade. There was little change in the number of hires in all four regions.

The job openings rate — a measure of job openings compared with total employment — rose to 3.7% in September from 3.6% in August.

The number of hires edged down 0.6% in September to more than 5.0 million. There was little change in the number of hires in all industries and regions over the month. The number of separations fell 1.0% to more than 4.8 million.

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