Job openings rise in most sectors in April, drop in others, at a glance

Job openings in April by sector, at a glance

Job openings in April rose to the highest level since December 2008, the Labor Department said Tuesday, an encouraging sign that hiring could pick up soon.

All of the net gains came from the private sector, as the state, local and federal governments cut their job openings. Here are the changes in available jobs by sector, at a glance:

Construction: Up 19,000

Retail: Down 4,000

Manufacturing: Up 9,000

Professional and business services: Up 100,000

Education and health services: Up 37,000

Leisure and hospitality: Up 43,000

Government: Down 36,000