LANSING, Mich. -- The Michigan Department of Technology, Management & Budget today released its summer (June–August) teen employment forecast for 2023. The Michigan labor market has continued to improve in the past year as it approaches pre-pandemic levels. In the coming months, many Michigan teens will be entering the labor force, some for the first time, as they search for summer employment. This sudden influx of workers will result in a more competitive labor market during the summer of 2023.

Teens entering the labor force typically find work in industries that are highly seasonal in nature and require larger staff levels during the summer months, such as the accommodation and food services; retail trade; and arts, entertainment, and recreation sectors. Jobs in these industries are ideal for teens, as they typically require minimal education, experience, or training. If the current demand for workers continues to stay high, teenagers should encounter few barriers to finding jobs this summer.

“Michigan teens are forecasted to have low unemployment rates as they enter a favorable labor market,” said Wayne Rourke, labor market information director of the Michigan Center for Data and Analytics. “Teen participation in the state’s workforce is expected to be similar to pre-pandemic levels this summer.”

Source: Michigan Center for Data and Analytics, Michigan Department of Technology, Management & Budget

The overall population of teens ages 16 to 19 has been steadily declining over the past decade, so the number of teens available to work has also fallen. In 2023, there are just over 500,000 teens in this age group in Michigan, and roughly 235,000 (46.6 percent) plan on seeking or holding a job this summer.

The summer 2023 unemployment rate among teens is expected to average 12.7 percent, a slight decline from the previous year’s average rate of 14.4 percent. A total of 205,000 teens are forecasted to be employed this summer, a level similar to that of 2022. Employment levels among teens have recovered greatly from the lows seen in 2020 and 2021 but have not reached the levels recorded in pre-pandemic years.

Teens seeking summer jobs are encouraged to contact their local Michigan Works! office. Michigan Works! provides assistance in resume development and job search, including access to Pure Michigan Talent Connect, and also offers tips on applying to your first job.

The Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity Wage and Hour Division recently hosted a joint webinar with the U.S. Department of Labor focused on the employment of minors, minimum wage, overtime, and the payment of wages. The webinar included important information for young job seekers, schools, parents, and employers. In case you missed it, you can view a recording. For more information on youth employment, visit the Wage and Hour Division website.

More statistical information about Michigan's economy, labor force, population and more is available at Michigan.gov/LMI or through the MiEconomy app available for iOS and Android.

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