U.S. Teen Summer Hiring Seen Falling to 790,000, Near 80-Year Low
Updated
Updated · Newsday · Jun 22
U.S. Teen Summer Hiring Seen Falling to 790,000, Near 80-Year Low
3 articles · Updated · Newsday · Jun 22
Summary
790,000 jobs for 16- to 19-year-olds are projected nationwide this summer, making 2026 the second straight weakest teen hiring season since federal tracking began in 1948.
Inflation, higher oil and operating costs, weak sales at some seasonal businesses, and older workers delaying retirement are pushing employers to run leaner summer staffs.
Long Island already showed the strain last year, with 20,580 private-sector hires for workers 14 to 18 in July through September—the lowest third-quarter total since 2012.
Competition for the remaining jobs is intensifying: Coyle’s Ice Cream said applications jumped to 1,100 this year from a typical 300 to 400, while some teens reported repeated rejections.
Summer camps remain a relative bright spot because staffing rules require large crews; Rolling River Day Camp said applications rose 28% and it hired about 160 new staffers.