Close on the heels of reports of unemployment rates declining, albeit marginally, comes the news, that summer job prospects for teens are looking up.

However, it seems that there would not be too many jobs to go around and teens will be competing with one another. Even more since, according to the report, 13 percent of the vacant positions have already been filled and the employers have decided to fill the remaining 79 percent of the jobs by the end of May. So it’s going to be a case of first come first served, for those wanting to find a summer job.

The report, released by employment network Snagajob, was based on interaction with 1000 hiring managers. Six percent more hiring managers feel that teens will have better chances this year, whilst thirty percent of them believe that their prospects of getting a summer job will be easier.

The average pay will be almost the same and stay around $10.90 an hour. Students with flexibility in accepting working conditions, job experience and a positive attitude stand a better chance of getting a job than their colleagues.

However, an area that is a major cause of worry is the continued gap in unemployment between Hispanics and African-Americans. The unemployment rate for Hispanics, aged 16 to 19 was 27.5 percent, and for African-Americans it was 34.7 percent.

According to a White House press release, the expected boost in much-needed work, for the teens is the consequence of President Obama’s announcement of his summer jobs program. The White House says that it has got a commitment from the private sector to provide 180,000 youth employment opportunities for next summer and is aiming for tens of thousands more.

Experts have advised the teens, that there may not be sufficient jobs available and to avoid disappointment, they should apply immediately.

Considering that rate of youth unemployment has remained above 20 percent 40 consecutive months, as reported by CNN Money, the news that jobs will be available will come as pleasant and welcome surprise to the teens, seeking to make some money during the summer.