06/17/2026
The summer job landscape has dramatically shifted since 1980. Back then, teens and college students flooded the job market during summer break, finding work at theme parks, retail stores, and more. With the minimum wage at $3.10/hr, managers made room for young workers, often allowing them to continue part-time during the school year.
Fast forward to today: Many employers seek full-time availability, with minimum wage at around $7.25/hr. The demand for flexibility is gone, and summer jobs are less economically viable for both businesses and students.
Now, with the rise of unpaid internships, volunteer work, and side hustles, students are building skills and brands rather than just earning money. When you see a young person working this summer, remember they're keeping a vintage tradition alive.
Sources:
Salon, May 26, 2025
Department of Labor, March 2, 2026