Wage

Teen Hiring Hits 80-Year Low in 2025 — And Experts Warn of Another Tough Summer

Teen employment in summer 2025 reached its lowest level in nearly 80 years of Bureau of Labor Statistics records. According to a new report from career transition firm Challenger, Gray & Christmas, the downward trend is set to continue into summer 2026.

“With fewer teens already on payrolls heading into the busiest hiring months, the runway for a strong summer is narrower than it has been in years,” the report noted.

Nearly 20% of companies also plan to hire fewer interns — or none at all — in 2026, according to Drexel University’s 2026 College Hiring Outlook.

AI: Both the Problem and the Solution

One of the biggest drivers behind the decline in entry-level jobs and internships is the same technology disrupting many of their parents’ careers: artificial intelligence.

Entry-level roles and internships often involve routine, repetitive tasks that AI now handles with remarkable efficiency. “A lot of the tasks that are performed by recent grads are tasks where AI has pretty incredible capabilities,” said Brendon Bernard, an economist at Indeed.

These tasks include taking orders, basic customer service, inventory checks, scheduling, and simple administrative work. Companies save time and money by automating them instead of investing in training and supervision for young workers.

The Flip Side: AI Is Creating New Opportunities

While it’s understandable for young people to feel frustrated, those who embrace AI can position themselves for roles that didn’t exist just a few years ago.

Major companies are expanding AI-focused opportunities. Google, for instance, is growing its prestigious internship programs in business, engineering, technology, and research. “This is in part driven by our ongoing investment in AI research, which is creating new internship opportunities,” said Brian Ong, Google’s vice president of recruiting.

Firms across industries are actively seeking tech-savvy young talent who can help integrate and optimize AI tools. This shift is opening doors at companies like Apple and Microsoft, as well as through specialized platforms.

How to Leverage AI in Your Job Search

**1. Target AI-related roles**  

Search for AI-specific internships and entry-level positions on platforms like GitHub (which filters by job type, location, and experience level) and Prosple. Highlight any hands-on experience with AI tools, even personal projects or self-learning.

**2. Optimize your application with AI**  

Many companies use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to scan resumes for relevant keywords. Tools like Jobscan analyze your resume against a specific job description and show your match rate, including suggestions for hard skills, soft skills, and formatting improvements.

Using AI to beat AI-driven screening is smart — but don’t over-rely on it. Always tailor your materials thoughtfully and authentically.

**3. Prepare for the human side**  

No matter how advanced AI becomes, strong communication, eye contact, and genuine interview skills remain essential. The goal is balance: let AI handle repetitive tasks while you focus on creativity, problem-solving, and relationship-building — areas where humans still excel.

Young people entering the workforce today face real challenges, but they also have an unprecedented advantage: growing up alongside rapidly advancing AI. Those who learn to work *with* it — rather than compete against it — will be best positioned for success.