Story perspectives

U.S. Teen Summer Jobs Plunge 25%, Lowest Since 1948

6/18/2026

Summary

Teens Struggle

U.S. teen summer employment fell 25% last summer, leaving one-third of 16- to 19-year-olds working, the lowest level since 1948.
Economist Nicole Bachaud of ZipRecruiter and director Jaune Little of Insperity said entry-level roles have vanished, leaving remaining jobs favoring experienced candidates and marginalizing teens.
Seventeen-year-old Jaelyn Chester, a student from Lake Mary, Florida, has applied to dozens of jobs but remains unemployed, fearing her summer plans will be ruined.

Summary

Connor Vukelich Launches

Connor Vukelich launched Poppin’ Jobs to match teens with employers.
He says AI screening and minimum-wage hikes push employers to favor staff, leaving teens like 19-year-old Max Stephenson of Little Rock who applied to 50-100 without success.
Report finds white teens more likely than others to hold jobs, with teens using Reddit and TikTok to vent and 16-year-old Demie Njea from Lexington, Kentucky, getting a Sonic job after 100 applications.

Summary

Klugh Hires Teens

Caleb Klugh, Tulsa manager, aimed to hire 28 teens but filled four cashier spots from 12 applicants and 16 lifeguard spots from 25.
Lifeguard roles require a swim test that limits qualified teen candidates.
Reubin McIntosh of Army says north Tulsa teen jobs are limited to gas stations, fast-food and daycare.
Klugh and officials say year-round hiring could ease scheduling and training hurdles that now limit teen work to summer.

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Teens Struggle

U.S. teen summer employment fell 25% last summer, leaving one-third of 16- to 19-year-olds working, the lowest level since 1948.
Economist Nicole Bachaud of ZipRecruiter and director Jaune Little of Insperity said entry-level roles have vanished, leaving remaining jobs favoring experienced candidates and marginalizing teens.
Seventeen-year-old Jaelyn Chester, a student from Lake Mary, Florida, has applied to dozens of jobs but remains unemployed, fearing her summer plans will be ruined.

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