Washington job openings increased slightly in February

OLYMPIA — Washington had 140,000 job openings in February, up slightly from 139,000 openings in January, according to data released by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Regional Commissioner Chris Rosenlund noted that the job openings rate in Washington was 3.7 percent in February, an increase from 3.6 percent in January. Nationally, the job openings rate was 4.5 percent in February and 4.7 percent in January. All figures are seasonally adjusted.

The ratio of unemployed persons per job opening in Washington was 1.3 in February, compared to the national measure of 0.9. Thirty-one states and the District of Columbia had ratios in February that were lower than the national ratio, while 14 states had higher ratios and five states matched the national measure.

Washington recorded 111,000 hires and 114,000 separations in February. This compares to 94,000 hires and 104,000 separations in January. Over the 12-month period ending in February, hires in Washington have averaged 110,000 per month, while separations have averaged 112,000 per month. These figures include workers who may have been hired and separated more than once during the year.

Among separations in February, 61,000 were quits and 44,000 were layoffs and discharges. In January, there were 59,000 quits and 35,000 layoffs and discharges. Over the past year, quits in Washington have averaged 64,000 per month, with monthly totals ranging between 57,000 and 70,000. Layoffs and discharges have averaged 40,000 per month, ranging from 33,000 to 51,000.

The State Job Openings and Labor Turnover Survey estimates for March are scheduled to be released on Tuesday, May 20.