The San Antonio- New Braunfels unemployment rate tumbled to 4.4 percent, the lowest it's been in six years and a positive sign for summer job-hunters.
Briana Morales jumped right into the summer job pool. She's life-guarding at Schlitterbahn in New Braunfels.
Morales, a 19-year-old college student, said it's a good fit for her recreation administration major. Besides, she needs the paycheck.
"I'm trying to do everything on my own," she said. "I'm trying not to depend on my parents too much."
The water park is hiring about 2,000 people this summer.
"We're actually hiring a little bit more this year. We expect bigger crowds," said Winter Prosapio, Schlitterbahn's corporate director of communications and government relations. "I do think we're seeing the positive effects of the economy in the tourism industry."
That's good news for University of the Incarnate Word student Alyssa Carnes, who's beginning her fifth summer stint at Schlitterbahn. She's been working summers there since she was 15.
"It's especially good because you're in school, and you want to have that summer job that's not going to interfere with your studies," she said.
The past several summers have been challenging for teenagers looking for seasonal work.
This year they should see more prospects because the economy continues to improve.
Last month, the San Antonio area added 6,500 new jobs, according to Workforce Solutions Alamo.
"We have more jobs that we have ever had in our region and are moving to full employment," said Worforce Solutions Alamo Communications Manager Eva Esquivel. "Job-seekers will become even more in-demand very soon."
So where are teens in demand? A search on Snagajob.com showed openings for several fast-food restaurants as well as a skating carhop and pizza delivery person.
Fiesta Texas continues to post job openings for the amusement park, another hot spot for young people seeking a paycheck. Schlitterbahn continues to hire through summer with the biggest need for lifeguards and food service.