CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Teenagers are looking to work and it's all thanks to new opportunities and higher wages.
Teen employment is at an all-time high.
The Washington Post reports new opportunities and higher wages are drawing more folks to the workforce since 2009.
Experts say when the labor market is tight, more teens work. An abundance of entry level jobs in hospitality encourages teenagers to get their foot in the door.
The labor market took a big shift during the pandemic when older generations stayed home. Employers were forced to train and hire younger employees.
High school students are also motivated to become financially independent and to try something new.
There are some risks to working as a teenager, like lower grades due to longer hours at work.
However, multiple states are already working to help protect young employees in the workplace.
Contact Ben Thompson at bthompson@wcnc.com and follow him on Facebook, X and Instagram.
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