
Part-time work is a form of employment that involves fewer hours per week than what an organization considers full-time. While the specific number of hours constituting part-time work can vary across industries and employers, it typically ranges from 20 to 35 hours per week. This flexibility allows individuals to pursue other interests, improve their work-life balance, and gain experience in diverse fields. However, part-time work may also offer fewer benefits and less job security compared to full-time positions. Ultimately, the distinction between part-time and full-time employment is determined by the employer's definitions and policies.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of hours worked per week | Less than 30-35 hours per week |
| Number of hours worked per month | Less than 130 hours per month |
| Number of hours worked per day | Less than 8 hours per day |
| Full-time hours | 34-40 hours per week |
| Common range | 20-29 hours per week |
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What You'll Learn
- The IRS considers part-time work to be less than 30 hours per week
- The FLSA doesn't define part-time work, but it does require overtime pay for more than 40 hours per week
- The ACA defines full-time work as 30 hours per week, but doesn't define part-time
- The number of hours for part-time work varies by company, with some considering 35 hours per week to be full-time
- Part-time work is usually considered to be less than 35 hours per week, with 20-29 hours being the most common range

The IRS considers part-time work to be less than 30 hours per week
The number of hours that constitute part-time work varies across different sources and organisations. While the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) does not define part-time work, the Affordable Care Act (ACA) does, and this has implications for employers.
The FLSA requires employers to pay non-exempt employees overtime rates for any hours worked over 40 hours in a week, regardless of their part-time or full-time status. This means that even if an employee is considered part-time, they are entitled to overtime pay if they work more than 40 hours in a week.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) considers anyone working fewer than 35 hours per week as a part-time employee. However, this definition is only used for statistical purposes and does not affect the eligibility of part-time employees for overtime pay.
Ultimately, the definition of part-time work depends on the employer. Most employers consider 40 hours per week to be full-time employment, but this is not always the case. Some companies may set the threshold for full-time employment at 35, 37.5, or even 32 hours per week.
The benefits of part-time work include a better work-life balance, the ability to pursue other interests or activities, and reduced stress due to fewer responsibilities. Part-time employees may also develop stronger time management skills and gain experience in a variety of fields. However, part-time work may also come with fewer benefits and less job security compared to full-time positions.
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The FLSA doesn't define part-time work, but it does require overtime pay for more than 40 hours per week
While the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) does not define part-time work, it does set guidelines that affect all employees. The FLSA requires nonexempt employees to be paid overtime rates for any hours worked over 40 in a week, regardless of their part-time or full-time status. This means that even if an employee is considered part-time, they must be paid overtime if they work more than 40 hours in a week.
The definition of part-time work can vary depending on the employer and the industry. Some companies may consider an employee part-time if they work fewer than 35 hours per week, while others may set the threshold at 32 hours or even 29 hours. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) considers employees who work fewer than 35 hours per week as part-time, but this definition is only used for statistical purposes.
The Affordable Care Act (ACA) also provides a definition of part-time work, stating that Applicable Large Employers (ALEs) are required to provide minimum essential health coverage only to full-time employees, defined as those working 30 hours or more per week on average or 130 hours per month. This creates complexity for employers, who may have different definitions of part-time work based on their specific needs and preferences.
Ultimately, the determination of part-time work is left to the employer, who can set a threshold of weekly hours worked to classify a position as part-time. This allows for flexibility in scheduling and can be beneficial for both employers and employees, especially those seeking a better work-life balance or needing additional income.
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The ACA defines full-time work as 30 hours per week, but doesn't define part-time
The definition of part-time and full-time work is not standardised across the United States. While the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) governs many employment laws, it does not define full-time or part-time hours. This means that employers are generally free to create their own definitions of full-time and part-time work.
The Affordable Care Act (ACA) defines full-time work as 30 hours per week or 130 hours per month. This definition was created by the IRS to determine whether Applicable Large Employers (ALEs) are required to provide minimum essential health coverage to their employees. ALEs are companies with 50 or more full-time employees or full-time equivalents, and they must offer affordable, minimum essential coverage to at least 95% of their full-time employees or face potential penalties.
While the ACA provides a clear definition of full-time work, it does not define part-time work. This is because the number of hours that constitute part-time work can vary depending on the employer's needs and scheduling preferences. Generally, employees who work between 20 and 29 hours per week are considered part-time, but this can vary depending on the position, company, and agreement. For example, some companies may consider an employee part-time if they work fewer than 35 hours per week, while others may set the threshold at 32 hours or even 37.5 hours.
The lack of a standardised definition of part-time work can create complexity for employers, especially those who are subject to the requirements of the ACA. It is important for employers to clearly define and document what constitutes part-time work in their organisation to avoid confusion and ensure compliance with relevant regulations.
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The number of hours for part-time work varies by company, with some considering 35 hours per week to be full-time
The number of hours that constitute part-time work varies across companies and industries. While some companies consider 35 hours per week to be full-time, others set the threshold at 37.5 or 40 hours. This flexibility allows companies to define part-time roles based on their specific needs and scheduling preferences.
The Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), which governs many employment laws, does not provide a universal definition of full-time or part-time hours. Instead, it mandates that nonexempt employees working more than 40 hours per week are entitled to overtime pay for hours exceeding the standard workweek. This regulation applies to both part-time and full-time employees, demonstrating that the distinction is based on hours worked rather than employment status.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) considers employees working fewer than 35 hours per week as part-time, while those working more are classified as full-time. This classification is used for statistical purposes, and the BLS acknowledges that the specific definition of part-time can vary across organisations.
The Affordable Care Act (ACA) adds another layer of complexity to the definition of part-time work. Under the ACA, Applicable Large Employers (ALEs) with 50 or more full-time employees or full-time equivalents are required to provide minimum essential health coverage to at least 95% of their full-time employees. The ACA defines full-time employees as those working 30 hours or more per week on average or 130 hours per month. This definition is crucial for ALEs to avoid potential penalties.
Ultimately, the number of hours constituting part-time work is determined by the employer, and it is essential for companies to clearly define and document their criteria. This clarity ensures employees understand their employment status, entitlements, and benefits, fostering a better work-life balance and a more satisfied workforce.
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Part-time work is usually considered to be less than 35 hours per week, with 20-29 hours being the most common range
The number of hours that constitute part-time work varies across different organisations and industries. While the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) does not define part-time or full-time employment, the general consensus is that part-time work constitutes less than 35 hours per week, with 20-29 hours being the most common range.
Part-time work often involves substantially fewer hours than the standard 40-hour workweek, but the specific number of hours can vary depending on the employer's needs and scheduling preferences. Some companies may consider 35 hours per week to be a full-time schedule, while others may set the bar at 37.5 or 40 hours. Ultimately, it is up to each employer to establish their own definitions of part-time work, often by setting a threshold of weekly hours worked.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) considers anyone working fewer than 35 hours per week as a part-time employee, and this classification is used for statistical purposes. Similarly, the IRS considers a part-time employee to be someone who works less than 30 hours per week or less than 130 hours per month. This definition was created for the Affordable Care Act (ACA), which requires Applicable Large Employers (ALEs) to provide minimum essential health coverage only to full-time employees.
The flexibility of part-time work is appealing to many individuals who have priorities outside their careers, such as childcare, education, or hobbies. Part-time work can also provide a better work-life balance, allowing individuals to pursue personal interests and gain experience in a variety of fields without committing to a full-time contract.
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Frequently asked questions
There is no universal definition of part-time employment. However, it generally involves working fewer hours per week than what is considered full-time, which is typically between 35 and 40 hours per week. Some sources state that 30 hours per week is the threshold for full-time employment.
Part-time employment offers employees more flexibility and free time to pursue other interests, activities, and responsibilities outside of work. It can also lead to improved time management skills and provide an opportunity to gain experience and training in various fields. Additionally, working part-time can reduce stress and improve overall work-life balance.
Part-time employees often have fewer benefits and less job security than full-time employees. They may be seen as more expendable, and their lack of availability may result in fewer opportunities and responsibilities within the company.
Yes, an employee can work two part-time jobs or even multiple part-time jobs. This arrangement can provide the benefit of a higher combined income than working a single full-time job, along with greater flexibility and the ability to pursue diverse interests and experiences.

























