Idaho Falls, ID (KIFI) – Many students are celebrating their final day of school and beginning the hunt for a fun summer job: an opportunity to receive a first paycheck, learn responsibility, and gain a preview of independence while building a resume. However, the 2026 statistics show that this generational rite of passage might become increasingly harder to come by.
New labor projections show teen summer hiring is expected to fall to its lowest level since the government began tracking the data in 1948, according to a recent report from the National Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Current Population Survey. In fact, for a group that makes up 29.5% of the national workforce, the number of teenagers employed as of April 2026 was 5.19 million, down from the 5.48 million reported at the same time last year.
Experts say a combination of rising inflation, economic uncertainty, gas prices, and slower hiring across entry-level industries is contributing to this steady decline.
Businesses that traditionally rely on teen workers during the summer months — including local restaurants, retail stores, camps, and recreation facilities — are reportedly hiring fewer seasonal employees this year. When stopping by local outlets, Local News 8 found very few opportunities for summer job openings.
At the same time, competition for available positions appears to be increasing. Many teens now face a more challenging application process, with employers often requiring online applications and, in some cases, prior experience for jobs once considered entry-level. For high school students Hayden Owens and Ben Strock, this small window of opportunity is taking a toll on their summer plans and ambitions.
“I keep scrolling on Indeed trying to find jobs, and the ones that interest me, I click on them, and I find out that there’s no part-time option, which is hard because we have summer activities that we’re trying to do, and we can’t work full-time,” Owens said. “I’m trying to save up to take voice lessons and to pay insurance and all these things…and I just can’t do it if I don’t have a job.” Owens said.
“I guess it just feels frustrating because there’s just not a lot of options,” Strock said, adding onto Owen’s remarks. “So it’s hard to figure out the best plan to move forward.”
Despite the slowdown in job listings, some industries are still actively hiring as they head into the busy summer season.
Positions such as lifeguarding, camp counseling, childcare, and select retail jobs remain in demand in many communities. Recruiters recommend that the best way to stand out is to skip the online application and head into stores for a physical interview. With the saturation of websites like Indeed and LinkedIn, personal interaction with potential employees increases the likelihood of a hire when recruiters recall their options.
Career experts also encourage teens to apply early, network with adult mentors in their lives, follow up with employers directly, and consider expanding their search to include community programs, local businesses, and volunteer opportunities that can help build experience.
While the traditional summer job may be harder to land this year, experts say gaining workplace skills and experience remains valuable for teens entering the workforce. One thing remains clear: the 2026 job market is teaching a lesson of patience and persistence.
