U.S. job openings at lowest level since 2024

(CNN)– Job seekers continue to have it rough as new data shows the U.S. remains a low-hire, low-fire labor market.

According to Wednesday, Jan. 7, 2026’s report from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the number of estimated job openings slumped to 7.15 million at the end of November.

That’s the lowest level in more than a year.

Data also shows job openings trended lower across most industries except retail and construction.

Hiring activity trended lower too, hitting its lowest level since June 2024.