Youth unemployment is up, and teens are feeling it most
Recent economic slowing and the rise of AI are reshaping the labor market for young adults.
The college graduate story
Many headlines have focused on the entry-level job market for recent college graduates, and for good reason. Unemployment among 20-24 year-olds with a Bachelor's degree has climbed steadily since its post-pandemic low in 2023. It hasn't reached the heights seen after the Great Recession, but it now exceeds pre-COVID levels.
Bachelor's degree holders still fare better than young adults with only a high school diploma, but that gap has narrowed to its smallest recorded point. Since the pandemic, Associate degree holders have consistently posted lower unemployment than four-year graduates, a reversal worth watching.
Teens are feeling it more
Unemployment among 20-24 year-olds has risen but shown signs of leveling off recently. The same cannot be said for teenagers. Unemployment among 16-19 year-olds is already above pre-pandemic levels, and still rising. Black teen unemployment has seen a particularly sharp uptick over the last year, outpacing the broader teen trend.
What Louisville young people can do this summer
For Louisville-area young adults navigating this market, SummerWorks offers a free pathway to summer employment. Open to Louisville Metro residents ages 16-21, the program connects participants with real jobs and real skills. The 2025 cohort came away stronger in communication, teamwork, and leadership, better prepared for whatever comes next in school or career.
Registration is open now: SummerWorks.org.
The Spot: Young Adult Opportunity Center also offers free career resources for Louisville region residents ages 16-24. The Spot connects young adults to career training, paid internships, and job opportunities, as well as supportive services like transportation and mental health counseling.
