Mississippi reported 64,000 job openings in June 2025, down from 68,000 in May, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The state’s job openings rate was 5.1 percent in June compared to 5.4 percent the previous month. Nationally, the job openings rate stood at 4.4 percent in June and 4.6 percent in May.
Regional Commissioner Victoria G. Lee stated, “The job openings rate in Mississippi was 5.1 percent in June and 5.4 percent in the previous month.”
The ratio of unemployed persons per job opening in Mississippi was recorded at 0.8 for June. In comparison, the national ratio was 0.9 unemployed persons per job opening during the same period. Across the country, 25 states and the District of Columbia had ratios lower than the national measure; 18 states had higher ratios and seven states matched it.
In terms of hiring activity, Mississippi saw 41,000 hires and 40,000 separations in June, compared to May’s figures of 42,000 hires and 39,000 separations. Over the past year ending in June, monthly averages were reported as 44,000 hires and 43,000 separations.
Among those who separated from employment in Mississippi during June, there were 27,000 quits and 11,000 layoffs or discharges—up slightly from May’s totals of 26,000 quits and 10,000 layoffs or discharges. Quits averaged about 28,000 per month over the year with a range between 24,000 and 32,000; layoffs and discharges averaged about 13,000 monthly within a range of between 10,000 to 18,000.
State Job Openings and Labor Turnover Survey estimates for July are scheduled for release on September 17.
The Job Openings and Labor Turnover Survey (JOLTS) provides data on labor demand and workforce movement using model-based state estimates that incorporate several sources including JOLTS samples as well as data from other Bureau programs such as the Quarterly Census of Employment and Wages (QCEW) and Current Employment Statistics (CES).
Job openings are counted if positions are open on the last business day of each reference month under specific criteria set by JOLTS methodology.
The number of unemployed persons per job opening is determined by comparing unemployment levels to available jobs using data from both national surveys like the Current Population Survey (CPS) for nationwide figures and Local Area Unemployment Statistics (LAUS) program models for state-level estimates.
Hires represent all additions to payrolls during a given month while separations account for employees leaving payrolls through various means such as quitting or being laid off or discharged.
Further definitions along with technical notes regarding exclusions can be found through BLS resources related to State Job Openings and Labor Turnover data.
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