How common is it for high schoolers to have jobs in the US?

I'm trying to figure out if getting a job during high school is a common thing. Are a lot of high school students working in the US, and does it vary by state? Would love some insights!

Yes, it is fairly common for high school students in the US to have jobs. According to statistics from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, about half of U.S. high school students aged 16-19 worked in 2024. That said, this is an overall number and there's likely some variability by state, though direct statistics for each state are hard to come by.

Factors such as local and state labor laws, economic conditions, the availability of jobs conducive to a student's schedule, and family and school attitudes about work may influence these numbers. Some states, for example, might have more opportunities for agriculture-related work, which could lead to a higher percentage of student employment.

It's also worth noting that the type of jobs high schoolers have can vary widely. Some students might work in retail or food service, others might babysit, and still, others might have internships related to their career interests.

Ultimately, whether a high school student decides to work or not is a personal decision that can depend on many factors, such as financial need, time management, academic demands, and personal interest. If you're considering getting a job, think about what you hope to gain from the experience (money, skills, experience) and consider whether it's a good fit for your current situation and future goals.