Find a Job You Really Want In
Teen moms often face significant scrutiny in the media, with much of the focus placed on their individual choices rather than the systemic issues that contribute to their circumstances, such as insufficient access to education and support services.
Critics frequently highlight the lower educational attainment of teen parents, which can lead to limited career opportunities. While it is true that teen parents, along with their children, often experience higher dropout rates, the narrative surrounding their achievements may not tell the whole story.
To better understand the career trajectories of teen moms, we analyzed data from the U.S. Census Bureau’s American Community Survey. Here’s what we discovered about the types of jobs they hold.
So What Do We See?
The chart below outlines the top 15 occupations most commonly held by teen moms, along with the percentage likelihood that they are in these roles.
The data presented in this chart is derived from the most recent American Community Survey Public Use Microdata Sample (PUMS), which offers a current perspective on employment among teen mothers.
Each blue bar in the accompanying chart represents the percentage increase likelihood that a teen mom will occupy each job listed.
Leading the list are positions such as Miscellaneous Production Workers, Packers and Packagers, and Maids and Housecleaners. These roles are primarily service-oriented and typically require minimal formal education.
Other common roles include Cooks, Janitors, Cashiers, and Retail Sales Workers. Notably, the chart also includes a category for those classified as “N/A,” which encompasses individuals under 16 or those who have not worked in over five years.
Interestingly, several healthcare-related jobs also appear in this list, including Personal Care Aides, Nursing Aides, Home Health Aides, Medical Assistants, and Licensed Practical Nurses. While these positions often necessitate some form of training or certification, they reflect a more nuanced narrative of employment opportunities available to teen moms.
Some Explanations
The data suggests that teen mothers are disproportionately represented in lower-education service jobs. This statistic highlights the challenges they face in the labor market. However, it’s essential to recognize that these roles are also prevalent among many Americans.
According to recent Bureau of Labor Statistics data, popular occupations in the U.S. include:
- Retail Salespeople
- Cashiers
- Food Prep and Service Workers
- Registered Nurses
- Material Movers
- Janitors
Many of these roles align closely with those occupied by teen mothers. The correlation raises questions about why these jobs are commonly held across different demographics.
Teen pregnancies often stem from socioeconomic factors, with higher rates observed in low-income families who may have limited access to education and contraceptive resources. Furthermore, the wealth distribution in the U.S. is stark, with a significant proportion of wealth concentrated among a small percentage of the population, leaving many families struggling.
With approximately 14.5% of Americans living below the poverty line, it’s not surprising that teen pregnancies frequently occur within this demographic. The U.S. has the highest teen birth rates among developed nations, with three in ten American teenage girls experiencing pregnancy, two-thirds of whom live in poverty. Instead of receiving the support they need, many teen mothers encounter stigma and blame from societal campaigns, which often overlook the broader systemic issues at play.
Wrapping Up
This overview highlights the challenges and realities faced by teen mothers in the workforce. Below, you will find a table detailing the most common occupations for teen moms, but there’s much more information available at Zippia.
No matter your current situation, you can search for job opportunities using our platform at Zippia.com.
Interested in related topics? Check out our analysis of U.S. states with the highest and lowest divorce rates.
Full Chart
| Occupation | Percent More Common For Teen Moms |
|---|---|
| Miscellaneous Production Workers, Including Semiconductor Processors | 210.72% |
| Packers And Packagers, Hand | 179.27% |
| Maids And Housekeeping Cleaners | 154.16% |
| Personal Care Aides | 134.64% |
| Nursing, Psychiatric, And Home Health Aides | 101.41% |
| Medical Assistants | 100.20% |
| Miscellaneous Assemblers And Fabricators | 85.16% |
| Janitors And Building Cleaners | 64.11% |
| Cooks | 44.98% |
| Licensed Practical And Licensed Vocational Nurses | 41.52% |
| N/A (less than 16 years old/NILF who last worked more than 5 years ago or never worked) | 36.61% |
| Food Service Managers | 28.35% |
| First-Line Supervisors Of Retail Sales Workers | 21.88% |
| Miscellaneous Managers, Including Funeral Service Managers And Postmasters And Mail Superintendents | 8.33% |
| Cashiers | 4.97% |
| Secretaries And Administrative Assistants | 4.42% |
| Office Clerks, General | 3.63% |
| Laborers And Freight, Stock, And Material Movers, Hand | 2.42% |
| Stock Clerks And Order Fillers | 1.85% |
| Customer Service Representatives | -2.11% |
| Unemployed And Last Worked 5 Years Ago Or Never Worked | -2.24% |
| Hairdressers, Hairstylists, And Cosmetologists | -6.34% |
| Preschool And Kindergarten Teachers | -8.19% |
| Teacher Assistants | -11.39% |
| Food Preparation Workers | -16.63% |
| Retail Salespersons | -25.94% |
| Waiters And Waitresses | -26.85% |
| Receptionists And Information Clerks | -30.28% |
| Registered Nurses | -30.58% |
| Childcare Workers | -38.67% |
Author
Ryan Morris was a writer for the Zippia Advice blog who tried to make the job process a little more entertaining for all those involved. He obtained his BA and Masters from Appalachian State University.
