One of the 'Most Marginalized' Groups Can't Find Summer Jobs
Teenagers are struggling to find entry-level summer work as opportunities dry up. ZipRecruiter economist Nicole Bachaud identifies teens as one of the labor market's most marginalized groups. Federal data shows only about one-third of 16- to 19-year-olds were employed last summer.
What changed
New data reveals a 25 percent drop in teen jobs last summer and projections of a record-low hiring year.
Live updates
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Teen Summer Employment Faces Record Lows in 2026
confidence 90%Teenagers are struggling to find entry-level summer work as opportunities dry up. ZipRecruiter economist Nicole Bachaud identifies teens as one of the labor market's most marginalized groups. Federal data shows only about one-third of 16- to 19-year-olds were employed last summer.
What's confirmed:
- Teen jobs dropped 25 percent last summer compared to the previous year.
- About one-third of U.S. 16- to 19-year-olds were employed last summer, down from a peak of about 60 percent in the late 1970s.
Still unconfirmed:
- Inflation, cautious employers, and AI are squeezing out entry-level jobs.
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Teen Summer Hiring Hits Historic Lows
confidence 90%Teenagers are facing a frustrating summer job search as entry-level positions disappear. Hiring levels for this group have dropped to their lowest point in 80 years. Young workers now compete with more experienced candidates for fewer available roles.
What's confirmed:
- Teen summer hiring has hit its lowest level in 80 years.
- About one-third of 16- to 19-year-olds in the United States were employed last summer.
- Teenagers are competing with more experienced candidates for summer roles.
Still unconfirmed:
- Teen summer hiring could hit its lowest levels since 1948 according to a new forecast.
- Gen Z's skepticism of AI is creating hiring hurdles.
- Colorado teens are adapting to an all-time low in summer job hiring.