Job postings in US state of Ohio rise despite year-over-year decline, data shows

Ohio’s job market showed signs of short-term recovery between March and April, with thousands of new opportunities posted across the state and in the Eastern region. The latest data from OhioMeansJobs highlights a month-over-month increase in job advertisements, signaling cautious optimism among employers as summer hiring approaches.Between March 14 and April 13, 2025, a total of 5,615 job openings were posted in the four-county Eastern Ohio region, which includes Mahoning, Columbiana, Trumbull, and Ashtabula counties. That figure marks an increase of 400 postings compared to the previous period. However, the region is still trailing behind last year’s numbers, reflecting a decrease of 638 job listings compared to the same time in 2024, as reported by the Business Journal.Statewide uptick in job adsAcross Ohio, employers posted 166,696 job advertisements on OhioMeansJobs.com during the same period—a rise of 5,033 from the previous month. Despite this gain, the total still lags behind April 2024 levels by 23,359 postings. According to the Business Journal, this mixed trend reflects a broader labor market adjustment, with employers focusing on targeted hiring in key sectors such as healthcare, retail, and transportation.

The most in-demand jobs across the state include registered nurses with 9,837 postings, followed closely by heavy and tractor-trailer truck drivers at 8,112. Other top roles include first-line supervisors of retail sales workers (5,915), retail salespersons (5,017), and stockers and order fillers (3,008), according to data cited by the Business Journal.Middle-income roles dominate the marketIn Eastern Ohio, the job market remains dominated by middle-income and upper middle-income positions.

The Business Journal reported that 33.8% of listings fall under the middle-income bracket, while 28% are upper middle-income roles. Entry-level jobs account for 18.9%, and high-paying positions—those exceeding six figures—make up 11%. High-income jobs, which fall just below six figures, represent 8.3%.The majority of job listings in the region—47.5%—require only a GED or high school diploma. Meanwhile, 28.4% demand a bachelor’s degree, 15.6% an associate’s degree, 5% a doctoral degree, and 3.5% a master’s degree, according to figures published by the Business Journal.Job type and education level – Eastern Ohio vs Ohio statewide

Local demand led by drivers and nursesAmong the most advertised roles in Eastern Ohio, heavy and tractor-trailer truck drivers lead with 400 openings, followed closely by registered nurses with 380. Other sought-after positions include first-line supervisors of retail sales workers (312), retail salespersons (280), and food preparation supervisors (115).Statewide, the education and income breakdowns show a more credentialed job market. A majority of roles—40.8%—require at least a bachelor’s degree. Jobs requiring only a high school diploma or GED follow closely at 39.3%, with the rest divided among associate, master’s, and doctoral degree requirements.Job postings summary – Ohio and Eastern region (March 14–April 13, 2025)

The Business Journal noted that these numbers reflect continued economic shifts, especially as employers evaluate long-term hiring strategies under the leadership of President Trump’s administration.