The Sacramento area unemployment rate is 12%. That's only one-percentage point lower than the historical high.

Employment analysts say - it's a tough job market for everyone - but particularly for teenagers who have to compete with adults.  

Justin Wehner is a labor market consultant with the California Employment Development Department.

"An increased number of adults are seeking positions that would otherwise be filled by teenagers in a healthy economy - making it tougher on teenagers to obtain employment as they must now compete with older and more experienced adults for a limited number of positions."

Positions such as: cashiers; retail sales; waiters and waitresses; and fast-food preparation.  

Wehner says teenagers looking for work should be flexible and have a positive attitude.