Baltimore Teens Launch Side Hustles as U.S. Summer Hiring for Youth Falls to 790,000
Updated
Updated · thebanner.com · Jul 9
Baltimore Teens Launch Side Hustles as U.S. Summer Hiring for Youth Falls to 790,000
2 articles · Updated · thebanner.com · Jul 9
Summary
790,000 teen jobs are expected to be added nationwide this summer, the lowest seasonal hiring total since 1948, pushing more Baltimore teenagers to create their own income streams.
AI, inflation and a crowded labor market are shrinking entry-level openings, while employers in food service, sales and similar sectors increasingly favor workers 18 and older who face fewer permit and hour restrictions.
Bryce Miller, 16, started a lawn-care business after being rejected by Rita’s, Giant Food and AutoZone; he now serves 10 clients and makes about $300 a week.
Breonna Jones, 19, is expanding her custom gifting business and monetizing roughly 7,000 TikTok and Instagram followers, while other teens still struggle—Eli Stassord said about 50 applications produced only rejection emails.
YouthWorks Baltimore received 11,881 applications and offered 8,812 jobs, underscoring how limited formal summer work remains, especially for teens who also face disability or transportation barriers.