economy
Is the teen summer job a thing of the past?
A summer job was once a seasonal tradition for millions of American teenagers looking to earn some pocket money and get a taste of the working world.
TL;DR
- Businesses are expected to hire a record low of 790,000 teen workers this summer, the lowest since 1948.
- Teen participation in the workforce has dropped significantly, from roughly half in the 1980s to under 30% today.
- Economic uncertainty, higher energy costs, and technology handling entry-level jobs contribute to reduced business hiring.
- Teens face competition from older workers and increasingly prioritize college preparation, club sports, and paid internships over traditional summer jobs.
- Sectors like leisure and hospitality, including summer camps, restaurants, and amusement parks, are cutting back on hiring younger workers.