Washington reported 133,000 job openings in August 2025, a decrease from 139,000 in July, according to data released by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The job openings rate in Washington was 3.5 percent for August, slightly lower than the 3.6 percent recorded the previous month. Nationally, the job openings rate remained steady at 4.3 percent during this period.
Regional Commissioner Chris Rosenlund stated, “The job openings rate in Washington was 3.5 percent in August and 3.6 percent in the previous month.”
The ratio of unemployed persons per job opening in Washington stood at 1.4 for August. Across the country, most states and the District of Columbia had ratios below the national average of 1.0 unemployed persons per job opening; thirteen states had higher ratios, while three matched the national measure.
In terms of hiring activity, Washington saw 102,000 hires and 99,000 separations in August compared to July’s figures of 101,000 hires and 101,000 separations. Over the past year ending in August, monthly averages were recorded at 111,000 hires and 104,000 separations.
Among those separating from their jobs in Washington during August, there were 58,000 quits and 31,000 layoffs or discharges—down from July’s numbers of 64,000 quits but unchanged for layoffs and discharges. Over the last twelve months, quits have averaged about 62,000 per month while layoffs and discharges averaged around 36,000.
These statistics are based on data from the Bureau’s Job Openings and Labor Turnover Survey (JOLTS), which provides insights into labor demand and turnover by using model-based estimates that draw from several employment surveys.
Definitions for terms such as job openings—which must meet specific criteria to be counted—hires (additions to payroll), and separations (departures from payroll) are detailed further by JOLTS methodology resources available through official channels.
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