More Teens Worked Last Year Than in the Years Leading Up to the Pandemic

Teenagers ages 16- to 19-years-old have experienced a surge in labor force participation last year, reaching a 14-year high according to U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data. 

Highlighted in a recent report published by The Washington Post, at least 250,000 more teenagers were reported to be working compared to pre-pandemic levels, and 37% of 16- to 19-year-olds were either employed or seeking jobs in the last year. This suggests a substantial reversal of a decades-long trend of declining teen labor participation. 

The resurgence, largely in response to the labor shortages experienced during the COVID-19 pandemic, has seen a rise in teenagers stepping into roles in the hospitality and retail sectors — areas traditionally reliant on older demographics. Additionally, more employers are reported to have adapted to the schedules and needs of these younger employees. 

From an economic standpoint, the rise of teenage workers has been a benefit for businesses struggling with staffing shortages. According to The Washington Post, this is a trend that has also contributed to the rising wages for young workers. Workers, ages 16 to 24, saw a 9.8% increase in pay last year — which is nearly double the increase for all workers, according to data cited from the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta.  

The current trend among teenage workers may represent a temporary solution to labor shortages rather than a long-term shift in the workforce due to post-pandemic economic factors. Nonetheless, this has led to concerns about the impact of early work experiences on teenagers’ academic performance and overall well-being. Balancing school, extracurricular activities, and work can be demanding, and there is a risk of teenagers prioritizing short-term employment over other prospects like pursuing and preparing for higher education or technical/trade schools.