Almost 27 million people across America work part-time hours according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).
From mining and logging to professional business services to leisure and hospitality to government, part-time jobs offer people flexible employment that may align with their unique lifestyle and commitments.
Unlike full-time positions, part-time jobs offer a variable range of hours, depending on the employer's needs and the nature of the job. This flexibility is attractive to many workers who juggle multiple responsibilities or seek a more adaptable work-life balance.
Similarly, small business owners embrace part-time workers to help manage seasonal spikes and dips, or to help with special short-term projects.
But what is considered part-time work? How many hours do part-time workers work? Read on to learn more about part-time employment.
What is Considered Part-Time Work?
Part-time work involves a type of employment where individuals commit to fewer hours than a full-time schedule.
Different businesses have varying standards for what constitutes part-time work. For example, part-time hours in a neighborhood restaurant or clothing store might differ significantly from those in at the local private school or the dentist.
Each business may have its own set of standards and practices regarding part-time work, influenced by operational needs and workforce dynamics. Being informed about these norms can assist job seekers in finding roles that align with their personal and professional goals.
Understanding industry-specific norms can help the business owner and worker navigate part-time employment opportunities more effectively and set realistic expectations.
How Many Hours is Considered Part-Time Work?
People commonly define full-time as the traditional workweek, and part-time as anything less. But that definition may be different under certain standards or laws.
The BLS defines part-time employment as 1-34 hours weekly. Alternatively, the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA) defines full-time employment as an average of 30 or more hours weekly.
Benefits Eligibility and Part-Time Workers
Benefit eligibility may also be a differentiator between a part-time and full-time position.
Small business owners will need to follow specific laws and regulations in the case of certain benefits.
Federal, state, or local regulations may dictate that certain benefits be provided to part-time workers. That means employers must carefully track employees' hours to determine eligibility for certain benefits.
For instance, the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA) sets minimum standards for retirement plans in private industry. One element of ERISA is that part-time employees who work 1,000 hours or more annually—that’s roughly 20 hours per week—are eligible for company-sponsored retirement plans.
In addition, the SECURE Act offers the opportunity for select part-time workers who log at least 500 hours annually across two consecutive years to enroll in workplace retirement plans.
When it comes to health insurance, the ACA requires a number of small business actions, depending on the number of part-time employees.
While a small business is not required to provide health insurance under the ACA, employees who average at least 30 hours per week are eligible for health insurance*.
Notably, a business is required to provide unemployment benefits and workers’ compensation to part-time employees.
It’s important to check with a trusted professional regarding employee benefits.
Employment Laws and Part-Time Employees
Small business owners must comply with applicable employment laws and regulations—even with part-time employees. Employers must also comply with state and local laws.
Understanding compliance requirements for employment laws may help you avoid legal and financial issues.
- While the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) which does not define full-time or part-time employment, set federal minimum wage, overtime pay, recordkeeping, and child labor standards for private and public sector jobs.
- The two employee classifications Under federal and state wage and hour law are exempt and non-exempt. Misclassifying employees can be costly.
- The Civil Rights Act of 1964 and other anti-discrimination laws apply to part-time workers.
- Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) provisions apply to all employees—including part-time—who work at least 1,250 hours in a 12-month period. Employers must comply with notice and recordkeeping requirements.
- Employers must provide a safe and healthy workplace for employees, as defined by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA).
Typical Part-Time Hours Per Week
An employer has the ability to determine what they will call part-time or full-time employment. The employer may decide to follow an industry standard or other business in the areas, but ultimately the definition of part-time hours comes down to employer policies.
Part-time work is considered any schedule less than full-time hours, which is typically around 35-40 hours per week in the United States. However, the lack of a universally accepted standard for part-time hours can lead to confusion and variability.
Part-time work can be defined explicitly by the employer's policy. For example, one company might classify employees working 30 hours or less per week as part-time, while another might set the threshold at 35 hours.
These variations mean that the actual number of hours considered part-time can differ significantly based on where you work. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics tracks employment information across 14 industry sectors.
It's essential for individuals seeking part-time employment to understand these nuances to effectively navigate the job market.
Part-Time Job Hours Per Day
In addition to the variability of weekly hours, part-time jobs can also differ in terms of daily schedules, just like full-time jobs can.
Some part-time workers might find themselves working shorter shifts of 3 to 5 hours a day, allowing them to balance work with other daily commitments. Conversely, others might have longer shifts but fewer days per week, offering a different type of flexibility.
For example, a part-time employee might work two 8-hour shifts exclusively on weekends, while another might work four, 4-hour shifts throughout the week. This scheduling diversity can cater to different personal preferences and life situations, making part-time work an attractive option for many individuals.
Understanding the typical daily and weekly hours associated with each part-time job can help prospective employees choose roles that best fit their lifestyles.
Employer Payroll Tax Implications for Part-Time Positions
A small business owner must withhold payroll taxes for full- and part-time employees, regardless of the number of hours in their weekly schedule.
When you hire an employee for your small business, you are responsible for withholding, depositing and reporting employment taxes. Employment taxes include federal income taxes, Medicare and Social Security taxes, state or local employment taxes, and workers’ compensation.
Benefits of Part-Time Work for Small Business Employers & Employees
Part-time work offers a variety of benefits, making it an appealing choice for a diverse range of individuals. Whether you're a student, parent, or someone exploring new career paths, part-time employment can provide advantages.
Employers
- Increase the talent pool. Opening the candidate pool to people interested in part-time work can help increase the number of interested applicants.
- Attract unique skills. People with technical skills, unique expertise, and experience—like those returning to the workforce, retirees, parents with childcare obligations, students and more—may find part-time work an appealing option.
- Cost savings. Part-time workers may help decrease total payroll, benefits costs, overtime expenses, and business tax burden.
- Work efficiency. A part-time position may be more fiscally beneficial if job responsibilities can be met on a shortened schedule.
- Give back to the community. Part-time positions offer an employer a chance to offer on-the-job training, skill development, opportunities for advancement and a steppingstone for career growth to local residents, including students, recent graduates, or those looking to change careers.
Employees
- Increased flexibility. Part-time work affords time for family commitments, educational pursuits, or personal interests.
- Less burnout. Workers may experience less stress and lower burnout due to fewer working hours and more time to balance workplace contribution with life enjoyment.
- Greater freedom. Many find the option to adjust work schedules to fit personal needs is invaluable, allowing them to manage their free time more effectively.
- Opportunity for side jobs. Part-time work provides the opportunity to pursue side jobs or additional income streams.
- Career growth. Part-time work offers those looking to explore different career paths, freelance opportunities, or entrepreneurial ventures the time and flexibility to pursue their interests.
Challenges of Part-Time Work
Despite its many benefits, part-time work can also present challenges for employers and employees.
Employers
- Productivity. A part-time schedule may not provide enough time to complete job responsibilities. Plus, deadlines may need to be adjusted to accommodate part-time workers.
- Scheduling. Part-time schedules add a layer of complexity into time and attendance scheduling.
- HR & benefits. Employees with reduced hours may still be entitled to certain benefits such as health insurance. That could make the cost of part-time positions less beneficial than a full-time worker who may handle greater responsibility.
- Employee engagement. With less consistent work hours may come a diminished sense of purpose and engagement.
- Availability. Part-time worker obligations may disrupt regular or on-call scheduling, prevent a worker from staying late, or committing to a longer-term project.
Employees
- Limited benefits. Many part-time positions don’t offer health insurance, retirement plans, or paid time off, which can be significant disadvantages for those seeking stability and comprehensive employment benefits.
- Job security. Part-time jobs may offer less job security, with fewer opportunities for advancement or promotion.
- Career progression. The transient nature of some part-time roles can lead to concerns about long-term stability and career progression.
- Inconsistent schedules. Inconsistent scheduling or guaranteed hours present a challenge to maintaining a stable routine for some part-time workers.
- Financial planning. Schedule variability can make it difficult to predict weekly earnings, complicating budgeting, and financial stability.
Final Thoughts
Part-time work may offer a more flexible alternative to traditional full-time employment for small business owners and employees.
Many people find the opportunity to balance work with personal commitments and aspirations a key benefit of part-time work.
For employers, part-time work may help manage seasonal spikes and dips, help with special short-term projects, or supplement the workforce with unique skill sets or experience.
Whether you’re a worker or an employer, it’s important to understand how many hours are expected to be worked as a part-time employee and how part-time job hours impact you.
This content is for educational purposes only, is not intended to provide specific legal advice, and should not be used as a substitute for the legal advice of a qualified attorney or other professional. The information may not reflect the most current legal developments, may be changed without notice and is not guaranteed to be complete, correct, or up to date.
* Insurance is sold and serviced by Paychex Insurance Agency, Inc., 225 Kenneth Dr., Rochester, NY 14623. CA License #0C28207.