Where Can Teens Work? Job Postings for Those Under 18 Years Old

With the summer break approaching, students, likely with the encouragement of their parents, are thinking about finding a summer job. Though youth are prohibited from working some hazardous occupations (see the Oregon’s Bureau of Labor and Industries for more information), there are opportunities for youth to work over the summer earning money and gaining experience.

iMatchSkills is the Employment Department’s web-based job matching system that uses skills to connect job seekers with employers. The table below lists job postings that specifically allow for workers under 18 years of age in iMatchSkills as of April 30, 2014. There are likely additional opportunities, but most job postings don’t list any age requirements.

Maids and housekeeping cleaners tops the list of job postings, followed by community and social service specialists. Also it’s probably no surprise to see food service, recreational, and sales-related occupations among the job listings. In fact, accommodation and food services (i.e., hotels and restaurants) tops the list of industry sectors with the most job listings, followed by other services (e.g., personal care services, car washes, pet care services) and retail trade.

Washington County had the most listings across the state, and Multnomah and Clackamas counties were also in the top five. Coastal counties, such as Clatsop, Tillamook, and Lincoln, also had a higher number of listings than most other counties in the state.