For many teens, having a job in the summer is as customary as cookouts and family vacations. More than half of 16- to 19-year-olds were employed in July 2005, the month that marks the height of youth employment.

Where did they work? The chart shows the 10 industries that employed the most young workers in July 2005, according to data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). The top employers were the accommodation and food services and retail trade industries. These industries often hire temporary or seasonal workers and offer jobs that have relatively few entry requirements—making them ideal choices for young workers. BLS data also show that about 126,000 teens were self-employed last July.

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