Teen Summer Jobs Dip in 2026: Where Young Workers Can Still Find Work

School is wrapping up across the country, and teens hunting for summer jobs face a tougher market than ever. Last summer, teen hiring hit an 80-year low according to Bureau of Labor Statistics data, and experts warn this summer could see even fewer openings.

A Challenger, Gray & Christmas report projects 790,000 jobs for American teens from May through July—down from 801,000 last year. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports only 5.193 million teens ages 16 to 19 were employed last month, compared to 5.487 million in April 2025.

Why Teen Hiring Is Slowing Down

Young workers face the same tight job market as adults. While employers added over 100,000 jobs recently, most hires landed in health care and social assistance—fields that rarely welcome high school students.

Major Factors Behind the Decline:

• Rising oil prices squeezing business budgets

• Self-checkout kiosks and automation cutting cashier and service roles

• Older workers competing for the same part-time jobs

• Drop in teen labor force participation

Participation rates hovered near 50 percent in the 1970s and 1980s but now sit at 33.8 percent. Teens are choosing sports, summer classes, and other activities over work. Plus, college graduates chasing full-time roles are flooding back into the part-time market, per the Bureau of Labor Statistics, making competition fiercer for young workers.

How Rising Costs Hurt Teen Hiring

High gas prices hit local businesses hard, especially grocers and retailers needing truck deliveries for food and goods. When fuel costs climb, companies trim flexible positions first—often targeting younger, entry-level workers.

Higher gas spending also means families cut back on dining out, shopping, or treating themselves at ice cream shops. Businesses spot the drop in customer traffic and hesitate to add staff. Every part of the economy ties together, and rising costs force employers to rethink hiring plans.

Where Teens Can Still Bag a Summer Job

Job markets vary by region, and tighter labor areas offer better odds. Several niches nationwide still crave young workers:

Top Picks for Teen Employment:

• Lifeguards (nationwide shortage keeping demand high)

• Shelf stockers (stocking needs growing this summer)

• Camp counselors (programs expanding across states)

• Restaurant hosts and servers (retail and hospitality still open doors)

Retail and hospitality roles remain available but are more selective. Teens might not land assistant manager training gigs, but host positions stay open.

Read: Minimum Wage by State in June 2026: Full List of Updated Rates

Government Tools to Find Teen Jobs

Federal Programs:

• CareerOneStop – U.S. Department of Labor's job finder

• Youth.gov – Federal resources for youth employment

• USAJobs – Federal summer internships and positions

• Bureau of Labor Statistics – Latest teen employment trends

State-Level Help:

• State Labor Departments – Local summer job boards

• Workforce Development Boards – Apprenticeships and skill training

Quick Tips to Win a Summer Job

The Challenger, Gray & Christmas report recommends:

• Start searching now – June is peak hiring month for teens

• Ask friends and family – Personal networks uncover hidden openings

• Clean up online profiles – Employers check social media before hiring

• Upgrade your resume – Highlight all experience, even babysitting or garage sales

Show off organization and communication skills. Any gig or volunteer work counts—employers value those traits.

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