Teen Summer Jobs Becoming Harder to Find in Minnesota

Minnesota teenagers looking for summer work may face a tougher job market than in years past.

According to a new Axios analysis, the state’s teen unemployment rate has climbed to 13.7%, the highest level in 12 years. State labor experts say it is one of the most difficult summer hiring seasons for teens in more than a decade.

Industries that traditionally hire young workers — including restaurants, hotels, resorts, amusement parks and other seasonal businesses — have slowed their summer hiring. At the same time, more older adults are remaining in the workforce, creating additional competition for part-time and seasonal positions.

For many teens, the classic first summer job — lifeguarding, bagging groceries, scooping ice cream or working at a local restaurant — is becoming harder to land. While many employers continue to report staffing challenges, entry-level positions are increasingly requiring experience, creating a difficult situation for young workers trying to build their first resume.

Labor officials say teens hoping to find work this summer may need to apply to more positions, start earlier, and be open to jobs outside the traditional summer categories.