To what extent does the definition of "full-time" depend on the number of hours worked each week?

Perhaps you're debating whether to accept a new position with an organization and are curious how many hours would be considered full-time or part-time. Whether your job is considered full-time or part-time can affect your eligibility for benefits, your salary, and your ability to strike a work-life balance. Many people starting a new job wonder how many hours constitute a full work week.

This FAQ and guide will examine what constitutes full-time employment, how that number of hours affects health insurance and pay, and other related topics.

This article discusses the various meanings of the term "full-time" in the context of employment.

There is no universally accepted threshold for what constitutes full-time employment; however, most people agree that 35 to 40 hours per week is necessary to qualify as such. The 40-hour workweek has traditionally been considered the benchmark for a full-time schedule, and this practice persists in many professional settings today.

Although many employers have no set criteria for determining whether an employee is full- or part-time, It's important to know up front if a position is considered full-time, as that threshold may be different from company to company.

In addition, the weekly hours worked tend to fluctuate more for salaried workers than for those working for hourly wages. Salary workers are often required to put in more than 40 hours a week, especially during busy periods or when significant projects are being worked on.

Salaried workers, on the other hand, frequently have more leeway in the number of hours they put in each week, allowing them to set their own schedules and adjust their time spent on projects as necessary.

Analysis of the effects of the Affordable Care Act on full-time versus part-time employment

The Affordable Care Act (Obamacare) did have an impact on how businesses defined full-time and part-time employees, even though the government does not specify what number of hours constitutes full-time work. Full-time employees are those who put in at least 30 hours per week over the course of more than 120 days per year; businesses with more than 50 workers are required by the act to provide health insurance to full-time employees. By definition, this law does not cover "part-time" employees who put in fewer than 30 hours per week on average and who therefore do not qualify for health insurance.

As a result, many businesses consider their employees who put in more than 30 hours a week to be full-time. Companies with fewer than 50 workers are exempt from providing health insurance, retirement plans, and paid time off to their part-time workers, so these businesses can still hire people who work fewer than 40 hours per week.

Consider whether working full-time or part-time would be better for your lifestyle.

In terms of quality of life, there is no clear winner between full-time and part-time jobs. Which job category is best for you depends heavily on your individual situation. Consider the following when deciding whether to work part-time or full-time:

• A typical work week in a full-time position consists of 35 to 40 hours. To do this, you'll need a flexible schedule and the ability to meet these stipulations. Finding work that fits your schedule might be difficult, but a part-time job could be the solution. If you are juggling multiple responsibilities, such as working another job while attending school, this is especially important to remember.
• You need benefits, but in most cases only full-time employees are eligible for them at an employer. But there's no assurance of that. Some companies provide benefits only to full-time workers, while others provide benefits to part-time workers. Be sure to inquire about compensation and benefits before accepting a position. If your expertise is in high demand, you can use this to your advantage during negotiations.
• Part-time jobs provide greater freedom but typically pay less than full-time positions. If you work full time, you can also boost your earnings. Overtime and holiday pay, if available, can significantly increase the monthly salary of a full-time employee. When deciding whether to pursue full- or part-time employment, it's important to consider how much money you'll need to stay within your personal budget.
• Your situation: If you're out of work or in a pinch and need to make some money fast, having a flexible schedule and being willing to work either full or part time will give you an advantage in the job market. Furthermore, many companies allow you to work your way up to a full-time position after beginning in a part-time capacity. Having a part-time job can be a great way to gain experience in your field and get your foot in the door.
• A lack of work experience can make it harder to land a full-time job, especially if you're just entering the job market. Gaining additional work experience is a plus when applying for permanent positions, and a part-time job can help you do just that.

Questions and Answers for People Seeking Full-Time Employment

Questions about full-time employment, beyond what that term means, include the ones below.

Does the government have a standard definition of full-time employment?

The FLSA does not specify what constitutes full-time or part-time work. Each company has its own policies regarding what constitutes full-time and part-time employment.

Where and when should overtime be paid?

Overtime pay is mandated by the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) after 40 hours of work in a workweek. Firefighters, police officers, people working in nursing homes, and people who work in hospitals, among others, are exempt from this rule under certain conditions.

Moreover, some states have their own regulations regarding overtime pay. In such a situation, an employee is covered by both state and federal overtime laws, and should be paid overtime based on the more generous of the two.

The Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) states that employees who are exempt because of their salary level are not entitled to overtime pay for any hours worked in excess of 40 in a workweek.

Should overtime be paid on weekends and nights?

The Fair Labor Standards Act does not mandate premium pay for weekend or evening shifts. Extra compensation for these shifts is negotiable between the business and the worker.