Teen employment and wages in California have undergone immense changes over the decades. In the mid-20th century, teenagers typically worked in agricultural or service industries, often earning low wages with minimal labor protection. As society progressed, The Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) and California’s stricter labor laws gradually raised wages and protections for workers due to an increasing concern over child labor abuse and poor working conditions.
By the early 21st century, rising wages and economic downturns such as the 2008 recession led to a decline in teen employment as older workers filled entry-level jobs. However, in the most recent of years, California’s steady wage increase and the COVID-19 pandemic have reshaped the job market.
Teenagers play a crucial role in filling staff shortages across the country in retail and food service, and as they adapt to higher wages, teenagers remain a key factor in California’s economic landscape. Looking specifically in Marin County, teen employment reflects both the opportunities and challenges of the modern job market. Lottie Gardner, a sophomore at Redwood, works at a local ice cream shop, earning $18 an hour with shared tips among her fellow employees.
Gardner initially struggled to manage school and work at the same time, but eventually found a rhythm that worked for her schedule.
“It was hard at first, and I had to quit cheer due to injury, but it ended up working, [because it] allowed me to work more,” she said. “When I worked on top of cheer, I would sometimes do homework during shifts when it was slow throughout the day.”
Gardner’s experience reflects a broad reality for many working teens in Marin County; most workers juggle multiple responsibilities, yet still strive to make the most of their time. Many businesses are looking for part-time workers, and teens have multiple ways to find job openings. Gardner has seen an increase in accessibility to find employment opportunities through connections online.
“I think it’s relatively easy to find jobs because there are opportunities through friends or other resources online, like social media,” Gardner said.
Another local teen, Hudson Soofer, a sophomore at Marin Academy, has found part-time employment in the food industry. He is employed at World Wrapps, where he earns minimum wage, $16.50. Despite the lower pay, he appreciates the job flexibility, saying,
“They are very flexible with my work dates, which makes balancing school and work easier.” Soofer also describes his workload as manageable, explaining, “I feel like my job doesn’t require me to do a lot of work.”
On the other hand, Soofer does not fully agree with the pay and feels it’s not enough to cover his expenses.
“I do believe I need to get paid more, as the way I’m making most of my money is through tips. 16.50 an hour isn’t going to cut it for me because currently I’m working four hours and sometimes even three and a half. With my pay salary, that’s only about 65 dollars, which does not cover a lot.”
Overall, teen employment in Marin County offers valuable opportunities for skill development and financial independence. Despite challenges such as limited opportunities or an overloaded schedule, working as a teenager can enhance and prepare you for later in life. Jobs can help young people learn responsibility, time management and communication skills that are critical in any future career. Whether it’s building a strong work ethic or developing crucial skills, teen jobs can lay a foundation for long-term professional and personal growth.
