How Many Hours Is Considered Full Time?

Different references provide varying definitions of full-time work. If you're wondering, "How many hours is considered full-time?", it can be helpful to discover how various departments in the US government specify full-time status. Gaining a better understanding of what constitutes full-time status, its benefits, and the types of industries that offer full-time positions can be valuable when job hunting or switching careers.

How many hours is considered full-time?

When thinking about the number of hours that make up full-time work, a 40-hour workweek may come to mind. However, according to the US Internal Revenue Service (IRS), full-time work amounts to at least 30 hours per week or 130 hours per month on average [1]. The US Department of Labor (DOL) leaves it up to employers to decide how many daily, weekly, or monthly hours distinguish a full-time employee [2]. 

Part-time vs. full-time hours: What's the difference?

The US Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) does not differentiate between part-time and full-time employment regarding hours worked [3]. While some employers classify a part-time employee as anyone who works less than 30 hours per week, others may have a cut-off of 35 hours per week. 

Some full-time employees earn hourly pay, and some earn a salary. Employees who earn a salary get a set amount of money per week or every other week, regardless of the number of hours worked. Hourly employees—both full- and part-time—receive pay only for the hours they work. Sometimes, part-time hours can differ from one week to the next based on the length or time of day worked. 

Typically, full-time employees receive more pay and benefits than part-time employees. However, the Affordable Care Act (ACA) specifies that employers need to offer health insurance to employees working 30 hours or more per week (or more than 130 each month) [4, 5]. 

Part-time and full-time employees can earn pay raises based on performance and time worked. However, a Federal Reserve report indicates that raises happen less often for part-time workers [6].

Read more: 9 Jobs for Better Work-Life Balance

What are contract workers?

Unlike part-time and full-time employees, contract workers provide services based on a company's agreement (contract). They pay their self-employment taxes based on wages earned. Contract workers typically don't receive benefits and perform their work using their own supplies, tools, and equipment. 

7 benefits that come with working full-time

Full-time workers receive some benefits as a result of federal or state laws. Employers may choose to provide other benefits to full-time workers as a way to boost morale and reduce employee turnover. Types of benefits offered to full-time workers include:

1. Childcare

Parents with children often appreciate having childcare as a benefit for full-time employment. Some employers offer onsite childcare at no or partial cost, while others reimburse all or part of an employee's monthly childcare expenses. 

2. Family leave

The federal Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) mandates that public and private schools, public agencies, and any employer with 50 or more employees must offer mothers and fathers at least 12 weeks of unpaid leave following the birth of a child [7]. FMLA  also mandates leave for employees adopting a child or participating in foster care and those caring for a family member with a serious illness. However, the employee must qualify for this benefit by working at least 1,250 hours throughout 12 months.  

Some private employers with fewer than 50 employees allow mothers and fathers to take family leave after the birth of a child, which can last anywhere from two to 24 weeks. While some employers offer paid family leave, others choose not to pay for family leave.

3. Disability insurance

Disability insurance covers employee wages lost due to an injury or illness lasting more than one week. In many states, it’s up to employers to decide if they will extend employees with this benefit. However, in five states and the territory of Puerto Rico, employers must offer coverage according to state law. These states include:

• California

• Hawaii

• New Jersey

• New York

• Rhode Island

4. Health insurance

As mentioned, the federal government mandates employers offer health insurance to employees who work at least 30 hours per week or 130 hours monthly. Health insurance typically covers medical costs like:

• Annual checkups and screenings

• Surgery and surgeon fees

• Hospital fees

• Prescription drugs

• Medical equipment

Some types of health insurance also cover dental and eye care.

5. Retirement 

Some employers offer full-time workers retirement program options. When they retire, employees in a pension program receive a specific amount each month. This amount reflects their length of service with the organization and salary, which impacts how much they contribute to the pension fund. Employees can count on receiving these funds, as the employer assumes all investment risks.  

Employees who enroll in a 401(k) fund also receive monthly monetary benefits when they retire. However, the amount received depends on the fund's success. As an employee, you have various options (stocks, bonds, mutual funds) for investing your 401(k) contributions, so you take on all risks for the money you contribute. 

Learn more about personal finance:

Read more: What Is a 401(k)? Retirement Plan Basics

6. Sick leave

Some employers offer a certain number of days off annually that employees can use when sick or injured. While some employers pay for sick leave, others do not. 

7. Vacation pay

Some employers allow employees to earn paid vacation days based on their work history. Employees with this benefit typically earn about 10 paid vacation days per year. 

When should a part-time worker become full-time?

When an employee consistently works over the limit of part-time hours, the employer may reclassify the employee as full-time. To establish "consistency" of full-time hours per month, an employer should consider:

• Whether full-time hours will end (e.g., when another employee on leave returns)

• Whether hours increase to full-time seasonally and decrease when the season ends

Read more: How Many Hours Is Part Time?

What types of industries offer full-time employment?

You can find a good, full-time job with benefits in various industries. Some examples include:

• Accounting

• Education

• Energy

• Engineering

• Finance

• Government 

• Health care

• Human resources

• Manufacturing

• Pharmaceuticals

• Tech

• Transportation

How to find full-time jobs

A few strategies can help when you're searching for a full-time job. Try these tips:

• Make a list of potential workplaces and visit their websites to look for openings.

• Ask friends, family, and other connections about full-time job openings.

• Join professional associations.

• Check local job websites and job boards.

• Scan the classified section of your local newspaper for full-time job openings.

• Attend local job fairs.

• Contact headhunting and recruiting companies.

Learn more on  Coursera

Full-time hours can differ from employer to employer. However, learning the basics about full-time work hours, associated benefits, and where to find a full-time position can help provide a baseline and solid foundation of knowledge when you look for a new job or consider a career change.  

As you prepare to look for a full-time position, consider taking the Career Discovery Specialization offered by the University System of Georgia on Coursera. You'll have an opportunity to research and explore a new career, learn how to get a job with an outstanding resume and cover letter, and discover tips for career success.