Jun 8, 2021 - Economy

America's job openings hit new record in April

Courtenay Brown

A "We're Hiring" sign outside a Target store in Shorewood, Illinois, — Photo: Daniel Acker/Bloomberg via Getty Images

There was a record 9.3 million open jobs in America in April, according to new government data out Tuesday.

Why it matters: As the economy made strides to a full reopening, new gigs opened up faster than companies could hire for them. What's more, a record number of Americans quit their jobs — a sign that workers are confident there's better, higher-paying work elsewhere.

Details: Employers hired 6.1 million workers in April, roughly just as many hired the prior month.

Accommodation and food services — think hotels, restaurants — saw the biggest jump in hiring (+232,000). That sector was also responsible for the most job openings (+349,000).
4 million workers quit their jobs — a record high going back to the survey's inception in 2000. Layoffs hit an all-time low.

Worth noting: The data gives a different glimpse at the state of the job market in April, though less timely than the closely-watched government jobs report.

The bottom line: There is roughly one unemployed worker for every job opening available.

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America's job openings hit new record in April

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