Kentucky reported 105,000 job openings in June 2025, down from 117,000 openings in May, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The job openings rate for the state was 4.8 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 Kentucky was 4.8 percent in June and 5.4 percent in the previous month.”
The ratio of unemployed persons per job opening in Kentucky was 1.0 for June. In comparison, across the country, 25 states and the District of Columbia had lower ratios than the national average of 0.9 unemployed persons per job opening; 18 states had higher ratios, while seven matched the national figure.
Kentucky recorded 75,000 hires and 69,000 separations during June, compared to May’s totals of 81,000 hires and 72,000 separations. Over the year ending in June, monthly averages were reported at 76,000 hires and 72,000 separations.
Of those who separated from employment in Kentucky during June, there were 39,000 quits and 26,000 layoffs or discharges—slightly lower than May’s figures of 42,000 quits and slightly higher than May’s total of layoffs and discharges at 25,000. During the past year quits have averaged about 43,000 per month with a range between 36,000 and 50,000; layoffs and discharges have averaged about 24,000 per month with a range from 19,000 to 30,000.
The next release of state-level Job Openings and Labor Turnover Survey (JOLTS) estimates is scheduled for September 17.
The JOLTS program collects data on labor demand and turnover by combining its sample data with information from sources such as the Quarterly Census of Employment and Wages (QCEW) as well as Current Employment Statistics (CES). State unemployment figures are modeled using Local Area Unemployment Statistics (LAUS) methods.
Job openings are defined as positions open on the last business day of each reference month if they meet certain conditions set by JOLTS guidelines. The number of unemployed persons per job opening represents a measure comparing available jobs to those seeking work; a ratio near or below one signals a tight labor market where employers may find it harder to fill vacancies.
Hires represent all additions to payroll within a given month while separations include all departures from payroll during that time period—broken down into categories such as quits or layoffs/discharges.
Further details about definitions or methodology can be found through BLS technical notes or by contacting their office directly for accessible formats.
