How Many Hours Is a Part Time Job? It’s More Complex Than You Think
Ever wondered what exactly counts as a part time job? How many hours per week makes your position “part time” instead of full time? You’d think there would be a straightforward answer to such a common question—but the reality is more complicated.
Surprisingly, there’s no universal legal definition for part time job hours. The specifics largely depend on your employer. “Part time” is essentially whatever your company decides it is.
However, whether you’re hunting for work or looking to hire someone, understanding the distinctions between part time and full time employment is crucial. For employers especially, certain legal requirements come into play that you should be aware of.
Traditionally, industries like retail and food service have been home to most part time positions. But with the explosive growth of the gig economy, part time work has expanded into virtually every sector.
If you’re working part time, you’ll typically receive fewer benefits than your full time colleagues—though the flexibility and lower stress often provide their own advantages. Let’s dive deeper into what constitutes part time work in today’s job market.
What Defines Part Time Job Hours?
Employers have considerable flexibility in determining what constitutes part time versus full time employment at their organization.
For some companies, part time means working less than 35 hours weekly, while full time employees work 35+ hours. Others draw the line at 32 hours per week, with full time staff working between 32-40 hours. A smaller percentage of businesses set their cutoff at 30 hours weekly.
Some states impose additional restrictions for teenage workers, often limiting them to fewer hours, though there are plenty of part time opportunities specifically designed for teens.
Interestingly, the federal government doesn’t provide a universal standard for part time hours. Neither the U.S. Department of Labor nor the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA)—which covers numerous workplace regulations—offers an official definition for part time or full time employment.
The IRS Definition: 30 Hours or Less
While there’s no universal standard, the Internal Revenue Service does use a specific definition for purposes of the Affordable Care Act (Obamacare): A full time employee works an average of at least 30 hours weekly, or 130 hours monthly.
Under this definition, larger businesses with 50+ full time employees must provide health insurance coverage under the Affordable Care Act. This 30-hour threshold is perhaps the closest thing to an official part time job definition in U.S. policy.
Do Part Time Jobs Include Benefits?
The primary disadvantage of part time work is the reduced likelihood of qualifying for employer-provided benefits.
Ultimately, benefit eligibility depends on company policies. Generally, part time workers are less likely to receive:
- Health insurance
- Paid vacation days
- Sick leave
- Retirement plans
- Dental and vision coverage
- Tuition assistance
- Stock options
Government-Mandated Benefits for Part Timers
Despite fewer employer-provided perks, part time workers do qualify for certain benefits required by federal law or administered by state governments:
Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)
The FMLA provides unpaid leave while protecting your job, as long as you’ve worked at least 1,250 hours over the past 12 months—approximately 24 hours weekly. This means many part time employees qualify for FMLA protections.
Unemployment Benefits
These are state-administered, with eligibility rules varying significantly between states. Part time workers may qualify for unemployment compensation if they lose their job, depending on their location.
Workers’ Compensation and Disability
Most employees—regardless of part time or full time status—qualify for workers’ compensation if injured at work or becoming ill due to work conditions. This federally administered program protects all eligible workers.
What Employers Should Know About Part Time Positions
Businesses can often reduce costs by offering part time rather than full time positions, though not every role is suitable for reduced hours. Sometimes, full time employees are essential to get the job done effectively. In competitive hiring markets, full time positions might be the only way to attract qualified candidates on job boards like ZipRecruiter.
While companies have some leeway in defining part time versus full time hours, there are important legal considerations to keep in mind:
Overtime Pay Requirements
Part time employees can occasionally work 40+ hours weekly during busy periods (like holiday seasons in retail). However, if they exceed 40 hours, employers typically must pay overtime wages.
Additionally, if a part time employee consistently works full time hours without receiving full time benefits, this may constitute an IRS violation that could result in fines for the employer.
Pros and Cons of Part Time Employment
Part time work comes with notable drawbacks compared to full time employment. You’ll earn less money working fewer hours and are less likely to receive employer-sponsored health insurance. This means either going without coverage, getting insured through a spouse’s plan, or purchasing insurance through the federal marketplace (which, while better than nothing, typically isn’t as comprehensive as employer-provided plans).
However, depending on your situation, part time work offers several potential advantages:
- More personal time: Enjoy greater flexibility and typically experience less workplace stress
- Multiple income streams: With sufficient energy and scheduling flexibility, working multiple part time jobs can provide substantial income
- Skill development opportunities: Part time positions can help you learn new skills in unfamiliar fields, potentially serving as stepping stones to full time careers in your desired industry
The Bottom Line on Part Time Job Hours
So how many hours constitutes part time versus full time employment? The honest answer is: “It depends.” The federal government and Fair Labor Standards Act generally don’t specify requirements.
Whether you’re searching for work or hiring employees, understanding the flexible nature of part time employment definitions is essential in today’s evolving job market. Just remember that while the hours may be flexible, certain legal protections and requirements still apply regardless of employment classification.
