Teenage Workers and Summer Jobs: A Booming Market

As the summer season approaches, the tight labor market is creating a surge in demand for teenage workers across the country. Not only are more teenagers seeking employment during their summer breaks, but their wages are also skyrocketing to levels higher than ever before. It’s an exciting time for young job seekers!

According to government data, the percentage of Americans between the ages of 16 and 19 who have jobs has been on an upward trend. In April, nearly 34% of this age group had jobs, compared to 30% in the summer of 2019, before the pandemic hit. It’s a remarkable increase considering the challenges faced in recent years.

Not only are more teens finding employment, but their pay is also rising in industries that typically employ them, such as restaurants, retailers, and amusement parks. In April, hourly wages in these industries increased by approximately 5% compared to the previous year. This rise exceeds the pre-pandemic average of 3% annually, although it’s only slightly higher than the 4.9% inflation rate measured in April. Teenagers are benefiting from a favorable economic climate.

Despite the national unemployment rate remaining historically low at 3.4% in April, the ratio of job openings to unemployed persons is currently at an unprecedented level. There are approximately 1.6 job openings for every unemployed individual, while in normal circumstances, the ratio would be closer to one-to-one. The surge in demand for workers is undoubtedly favoring teenage job seekers.

While the leisure and hospitality industry suffered greatly during the COVID-19 pandemic, it is now bouncing back with promising hiring trends. In April, the sector saw an increase of 31,000 jobs, primarily driven by bars and restaurants. Although the industry is still below its pre-pandemic employment levels by about 2.4%, the upward trajectory is encouraging for those seeking summer employment.

As economic conditions improve, public policy in several states is adapting to accommodate and support teenage workers. New Jersey, for example, recently enacted a law allowing 16- and 17-year-olds to work up to 50 hours per week during the summer, up from the previous limit of 40 hours. This change aims to staff the Garden State’s tourist attractions on the Jersey Shore and has received positive feedback from parents like Sally Rutherford. Her 17-year-old son, Billy, now working at a Jersey Shore amusement park, is becoming more independent and responsible while saving up for a car.

Other states are also making strides to empower teenage workers. Iowa’s Governor, Kim Reynolds, signed a law permitting 16- and 17-year-olds to serve alcoholic beverages in restaurants and extending the hours they can work. Meanwhile, Wisconsin’s legislature is considering a proposal that would allow minors as young as 14 to serve alcohol in bars and restaurants, although limited to serving seated customers only.

The future looks bright for teenage workers seeking summer employment. With a tight labor market, increasing wages, and supportive public policies, it’s an excellent opportunity for teenagers to gain job experience, become more responsible, and earn some extra cash. It’s time to embrace the summer job rush and make the most of this booming market!