U.S. Teen Summer Hiring Heads for Lowest Level Since 1948 After 25% Job Drop
Updated
Updated · The Associated Press · Jun 18
U.S. Teen Summer Hiring Heads for Lowest Level Since 1948 After 25% Job Drop
3 articles · Updated · The Associated Press · Jun 18
Summary
One-third of U.S. 16- to 19-year-olds were employed last summer, and Challenger, Gray and Christmas says this year’s teen hiring could fall to the lowest level since federal tracking began in 1948.
A 25% drop in jobs secured last summer has been followed by inflation, higher oil prices and cautious employer hiring, while some entry-level roles have disappeared and remaining openings increasingly favor experienced workers.
50 to 100 applications have become common for some teens, with job seekers describing ghosted applications and “We’re Hiring” signs that do not translate into offers.
AI is also seen cutting into beginner-level work, adding to a long decline in teen summer employment from roughly 60% in the late 1970s to about one-third last year.