Wallet Watch newsletter: Is your teen struggling to find a summer job?
The number of LI teens ages 14-18 being hired for summer jobs in the private sector is down, as cautious employers cut back on staffing over economic concerns and more teens prioritize other activities, such as sports and college prep programs. Source: New York State Department of Labor
Has your teen struggled to find summer work this year? We're interested in hearing what families are seeing. Email us at wallet@newsday.com.
In case you missed it: My colleague Tory N. Parrish reported last week for Wallet Watch that this summer may be one of the toughest seasons for young job seekers in nearly 80 years, as employers facing inflation and other economic pressures pull back on hiring.
Reading Tory's story made me think back to my own first real job search — and how difficult it felt even in a much different market.
The summer between my senior year and college, I needed a job. I had school expenses to pay — plus, it would be nice to have a little bit of spending money.
As an unemployed 18-year-old without a car, I set out on foot to businesses in my neighborhood to ask about job applications. I eventually found work within biking distance of my college campus thanks to a recommendation from a friend. But getting hired — anywhere — was harder than I thought it would be.
That was nearly 10 years ago. And the job market for teen workers in 2026 appears even tougher.
An analysis of federal data indicates employers across the country will likely hire 790,000 workers ages 16 to 19 this summer, after hiring 801,000 teens last year — a 25.6% drop from 2024 and the lowest level in 77 years.
The drop has not been as drastic on Long Island. Still, the number of workers ages 14 to 18 hired here last summer totaled 20,580, the lowest for that time of year since 2012, according to state labor data.
All that's to say: It might not be your child's fault if they haven't found a summer job yet. Like the rest of us, they're facing a tough labor market.
Read the story here.
From our readers
Wallet Watch works best when it's a two-way conversation.
Since we launched, readers have helped us spot confusing bills, hidden fees, price hikes and everyday money problems worth digging into. As we plan new stories, guides and tools to help Long Islanders save money, we want to keep hearing from you.
Have a question you'd like to submit? Confused by a bill? Noticed a price hike? Have a question about housing, utilities, groceries, insurance, taxes or another cost of living issue? Email walletwatch@newsday.com or or click here.
Brianne Ledda covers personal finance and affordability for Newsday. She previously covered Southold and Greenport for The Suffolk Times and is a graduate of Stony Brook University.
