OKLAHOMA CITY (OBV) — As Oklahoma voters prepare to decide State Question 832, a new State Chamber survey shows Oklahomans place strong value on teen employment, first jobs, and access to entry-level work opportunities.
The survey of 421 Oklahomans, conducted in June 2026, found that nearly 95% of respondents said it is very or somewhat important for teenagers to have access to part-time or summer jobs while they are in high school.
The survey also found that more than 95% of respondents agreed that a teenager’s first job helps teach responsibility, punctuality, communication, and problem-solving.
The findings come as Oklahoma voters consider SQ 832, which would raise the state minimum wage to $15 an hour by 2029 and then tie future increases to an annual inflation-based escalator beginning in 2030.
The State Chamber has opposed SQ 832, warning that the measure could create new cost pressures for small businesses, restaurants, farms, local governments, and other employers that provide entry-level and seasonal jobs.
The survey found broad concern about fewer teenagers getting early work experience. About 70% of respondents said they are very or somewhat concerned that fewer teenagers are working part-time or summer jobs than in previous decades.
Respondents also prioritized job access over fewer jobs with higher wages. Nearly 59% said teenagers benefit from having more entry-level job opportunities, even if those jobs start at lower wages. Only 2.7% said teenagers benefit more from fewer job opportunities that pay higher wages.
The survey also found that 75.8% of respondents personally had a part-time or summer job before graduating high school.
When asked which benefit of teen employment is most important, the top response was learning responsibility and punctuality, selected by 49% of respondents. Building confidence and independence ranked second at 16.8%, followed by learning customer service and communication at 8.2%.
The results point to the importance of preserving access to first jobs, summer work, and entry-level opportunities as part of Oklahoma’s broader workforce development strategy.
For many young workers, a first job is where they learn the basic skills employers need: showing up on time, working with other people, communicating with customers, solving problems, and understanding what it takes to succeed in the workplace.
SQ 832 will appear on the June 16 ballot. The State Chamber is encouraging Oklahomans to review the measure and consider how its automatic wage escalator could affect entry-level jobs, teen employment, and small businesses across the state.
