Kentucky reported 105,000 job openings in June 2025, down from 117,000 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.
Victoria G. Lee, Regional Commissioner for the BLS, stated that “the job openings rate in Kentucky was 4.8 percent in June and 5.4 percent in the previous month.” She also noted that all data provided are seasonally adjusted.
The ratio of unemployed persons per job opening in Kentucky remained at 1.0 for June. In comparison, twenty-five states and the District of Columbia had ratios lower than the national average of 0.9 unemployed persons per job opening during the same period; eighteen states recorded higher ratios, while seven matched the national figure.
In terms of hiring activity, Kentucky saw 75,000 hires and 69,000 separations during June—both figures slightly lower than those recorded in May when there were 81,000 hires and 72,000 separations. Over the past year ending in June, monthly averages stood at approximately 76,000 hires and 72,000 separations.
Of those separating from employment during June within Kentucky’s workforce, quits accounted for 39,000 while layoffs and discharges totaled about 26,000—figures comparable to those observed a month earlier with minor fluctuations.
JOLTS (Job Openings and Labor Turnover Survey) provides these statistics as part of its regular reporting on labor demand and turnover patterns across states using model-based estimates derived from several BLS programs including JOLTS sample data itself along with information from QCEW (Quarterly Census of Employment and Wages) and CES (Current Employment Statistics). Definitions regarding what constitutes a job opening or separation—as well as methodology details—are available through BLS resources.
The next set of state-level JOLTS estimates is scheduled for release on September 17, 2025.
For further information or assistance regarding this data release—including accommodations for individuals with sensory impairments—the Bureau encourages direct contact via phone or relay services.
