Oregon reported 83,000 job openings in August 2025, according to data released by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. This figure is slightly lower than July’s total of 84,000 openings. Chris Rosenlund, Regional Commissioner, stated that “the job openings rate in Oregon was 4.0 percent in August, unchanged from the previous month.” Nationally, the job openings rate also remained steady at 4.3 percent.
The state’s ratio of unemployed persons per job opening stood at 1.3 for August. In comparison, across the country, most states and the District of Columbia had lower ratios than the national average of 1.0 unemployed persons per job opening; thirteen states had higher ratios and three matched the national figure.
In terms of hiring activity, Oregon recorded 71,000 hires and 81,000 separations in August. These numbers compare to July’s totals of 64,000 hires and 71,000 separations. Over the past year ending in August, monthly averages were approximately 73,000 hires and 70,000 separations.
Of those who left their jobs in Oregon during August, there were 45,000 quits and 23,000 layoffs or discharges—similar to July’s figures which saw an equal number of quits but slightly fewer layoffs and discharges at 21,000. The monthly average for quits over the past year was about 44,000 while layoffs and discharges averaged around 21,000.
These statistics are part of the Job Openings and Labor Turnover Survey (JOLTS), which tracks labor demand and turnover using model-based estimates from several sources including JOLTS samples as well as employment surveys such as QCEW and CES.
The report defines a job opening as any position open on the last business day of each reference month if it meets certain conditions set by JOLTS methodology. The ratio between unemployed persons and available jobs is used to gauge labor market tightness; a lower ratio indicates more open positions relative to available workers.
Further technical definitions regarding hiring practices and types of separations are provided by BLS through its State Job Openings and Labor Turnover Technical Note.
