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The classic summer job is losing its place in teenage life.

Decades ago, scooping ice cream or bagging groceries was practically a rite of passage for teens on their school break. But hiring of 16-to-19-year-olds has declined in recent years — and hit a record low last summer, according to government data crunched by the career placement firm Challenger, Gray & Christmas. This summer, as restaurants, stores, and summer camps tighten their belts, the firm projects hiring will be down even more.

"Inflation and rising fuel costs are squeezing the same households and small businesses that hire teens," said Andy Challenger, the firm's chief revenue officer. "The dynamics that drove [last year's] slowdown — cost pressures, automation, employers waiting to see how consumer demand holds up — are all still in place, and in some cases they've intensified."

It's not just summer jobs, either. While a good half of Americans 16 to 19 had jobs in the 1980s and 1990s, their labor force participation rate has hovered in the mid-to-high 30% range for most of the last 15 years, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

There are plenty of theories about why teen jobs are less common, some of which predate the latest challenges: Teenagers have more academic and extracurricular demands than they used to, even in summer. They're getting more competition from older workers now that the minimum wage is $15-$17 in many locations.

And yes, entry-level jobs are becoming replaceable by AI. One study estimates that AI will trigger a 27% decline in teen jobs by 2030, including a 54% drop in cashier roles, the researchers told NPR earlier this year.

But is something important being lost when young people don't work?

According to ZipRecruiter data, teens who work in the summer make an average of $2,959 a month — enough to meaningfully contribute to family expenses, make a dent in college tuition, or start a retirement account. But in addition to a paycheck, a part-time gig at the local pool, camp, or gardening center can offer invaluable life lessons about managing money, communicating professionally, and being resourceful.

If you have a teenager who's never had a job, here's more on the benefits, the tradeoffs, and how to help your teen find a job in today's market.

The pros and cons of working as a teen

Jobs help teens flex their "adulting" muscles before they're full-fledged adults, learning how to serve customers, be diplomatic with co-workers, communicate with strangers, and manage their time. These so-called soft skills are often what employers notice first in interviews, and they can give young people confidence that they can make it in the real world.

Bringing home a paycheck also fosters good financial habits like saving, opening a checking account, and creating a budget. And don't underestimate the impact of an employee discount. They can really help stretch a high-school (or even family) clothing or food budget further.

Plus, the stakes aren't as high if you make a workplace mistake at 16 instead of 26. And as an unofficial career coach, you'll be there to help your teen develop resilience to tough days, or just not being hired.

Of course, a job isn't always feasible with your teen's schedule — or may not leave enough time for their schoolwork, sports, or other important activities. You'll want to weigh the work hours against not only other demands on their time, but getting enough sleep, having a social life, and avoiding mental overload.

"A summer job is most valuable when it builds skills without crowding out everything else," said Challenger.

Helping your teen find a job

If you and your teen think a job makes sense for them, here are some strategies to help them navigate today's market and find a good fit.

Start immediately. While Challenger Gray says June is the most popular month for hiring a teen, many hiring decisions may have already been made, so time is of the essence.

Cast a wide net. Begin by discussing your teen's goals, interests, and availability. Is it the paycheck, job experience, or that employee discount? An industry they're interested in as a career? Help them develop an employer list, including clothing stores and food joints they frequent already and less obvious places like offices that may need help with answering phones, filing papers, or other basic administrative work. Tap family and friends for job referrals, and find out if your area has any summer youth employment programs.

Prep the paperwork. Have your teen create a resume (including paid work, volunteer experience, references, and school achievements), and help them (or tap an AI assistant) to polish it. They may need help filling out job applications and W-4 forms, as well as understanding how a paycheck divides up wages. Prep your short, fascinating speech on Social Security now. (Here's a cheat sheet.)

Get out there. Encourage dropping off paper resumes, even if your teen will also fill out online applications before or after. In-person encounters can feel more intimidating, but the old-fashioned approach can stand out in an increasingly online world. Help your teen practice a brief, confident introduction to managers and assemble an outfit that says, "Hire me. (Please)." Once they land an interview, prep by role-playing common questions.

Consider alternatives. A tough job market can be discouraging, so flexibility is key. If their ideal jobs don't pan out, other options could include side hustles like babysitting, tutoring, or even car detailing or clothing resale. Or your teen could consider volunteering to gain experience that will give them a leg up in 2027.

Keep perspective. As your teen goes through a first job hunt, be a sounding board and source of moral support. Kids build resilience through common situations like getting passed over for a role or dealing with unpleasant colleagues. These early experiences can put them ahead of the pack when starting their careers.

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