What Are Full-Time Hours?
Full-time hours refer to the number of hours an individual must regularly work to be recognized as a full-time employee rather than a part-time worker. In the United States, there is no federal law that clearly defines what constitutes full-time work, so companies are free to set their own internal policies. Some states may establish hour thresholds, but these are mainly used to determine eligibility for certain employee benefits.
Understanding Full-Time Hours in the Workplace
The classification of full-time employment often depends on industry standards and the nature of the job. For example, in fields like healthcare, hospitality, or retail, full-time work can stretch to 50 or 60 hours per week due to shift-based roles or operational demands. In contrast, office-based or professional roles might define full-time as working 30 to 37.5 hours weekly.
Organizations that partner with workforce solutions providers like Beyond often define full-time status based on what aligns with industry benchmarks and applicable labor laws.
How Many Hours Constitute Full-Time?
Although no federal law enforces a universal standard, the IRS considers employees full-time if they work at least 30 hours per week or 130 hours per month on average. Under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), workers must receive at least the federal minimum wage for all hours worked, up to 40 hours per week. Additionally, any hours worked beyond 40 in a single week are generally subject to overtime pay at 1.5 times the regular hourly rate.
Is 32 Hours a Week Full-Time?
That depends on the employer’s internal policy. While 40 hours is a traditional benchmark, some companies classify 32 or more hours per week as full-time. Regardless of the employer’s definition, businesses must comply with employment regulations. For example, under the Affordable Care Act (ACA), companies with 50 or more full-time workers are legally obligated to offer health insurance coverage.
Can Employees Work More Than Full-Time?
Yes, employees can and often do work beyond standard full-time hours, especially in industries with fluctuating workloads such as emergency services, retail, and logistics. However, labor laws require employers to pay overtime to eligible employees who exceed the typical 40-hour threshold. There are exceptions to these rules, so employers and HR administrators, such as those using Beyond, must be familiar with local, state, and federal regulations to ensure compliance.
How Full-Time Differs from Part-Time Employment
The main distinction between full-time and part-time roles is in work hours and benefit eligibility. Full-time employees usually qualify for a broader range of benefits, such as health insurance, paid leave, and retirement contributions. Part-time employees may have limited or no access to these benefits, depending on the employer’s policies.
Regardless of their classification, both full-time and part-time workers are covered by the protections of the FLSA, including minimum wage and overtime rules. However, there is no universal legal definition of full-time vs. part-time, leaving the final determination to each employer’s internal framework.