Job Market Churn in the Western U.S.

Many workers are currently experiencing churn in the job market, which refers to the phenomenon of individuals leaving their jobs for better opportunities. For example, Laura McClellan, a transportation planner in Utah, recently transitioned from a government position to a regional transit agency, reflecting the robust demand for transportation planners in a rapidly growing state. Economist Christine McDaniel explains that a high level of churn is generally positive, indicating that workers are finding roles that better suit their skills and desires. However, the current level of churn is not as intense as it was in previous years, suggesting a shift towards a more stable job market and a reduction in the extreme volatility seen during the pandemic period.