US job openings rose to 7.594 million in May, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, above the 7.296 million openings expected in a survey compiled by Bloomberg as of 7:35 am ET and up from the 7.585 million openings reported in April.
The May level represents 4.6% of total employment, the same as in April and up from 4.4% a year earlier.
At the same time, hiring fell to 5.170 million from 5.215 million in April, keeping the hiring rate at 3.3% in May, but down from 3.4% rate a year earlier.
Separations increased in the month to 5.101 million from 5.038 million in April. Quits and layoffs both increased.