How Many Hours Is a Part-Time Job? | 2023 – (Updated)

How Many Hours is a Part Time Job

When looking for part-time employment, one of your main concerns is usually how many hours you’ll be expected to work. And you are probably here to get an answer to your question: “How many hours is a part-time job?

Well, to be honest, there is no specified time frame for a part-time job. It often requires fewer than 30–35 hours a week. This, however, varies greatly depending on the company, the position, and the agreement established between the employer and the employee. Finding part-time work that accommodates your scheduling needs might be difficult due to the enormous variety.


However, this article will show you how businesses and organizations define part-time work and how it may affect part-time employees. We’ll be responding to frequently asked questions about part-time hours to help you find part-time work that fits your schedule.

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What Is A Part-Time Job?

I guess you already know what a part-time job is, but let’s start with a little explanation. A part-time job is when a person works fewer hours per week than what their employer deems full-time.

According to the cooperative policy, several businesses define part-time jobs differently. In some organizations, if an employee works fewer than 35 hours a week, they may consider it part-time.

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Although, a full-time job can also be for 35 to 40 hours a week on average, or perhaps more. However, part-time employment gives greater flexibility to individuals who want or need to work but can’t (or don’t want to) take a full-time job.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, over 26 million people worked part-time in October 2020, roughly the same as in October 2019 up to July 2022. This suggests that part-time occupations will continue to play a vital role in the job market despite economic uncertainties and a global pandemic.

Most part-time job searchers are well aware of the number of hours they would prefer to work. But it can be challenging to match those preferences with employment since various businesses have different definitions of “part-time.”

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Part-Time vs. Full-Time

There is no statutory definition of what constitutes a full-time or part-time employee. According to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, if it’s less than 35 hours a week, it’s part-time. However, if it’s more than 35–40 hours per week, it’s a full-time job.

Sincerely, that concept is mostly for statistical purposes. The Fair Labor Standards Act, which establishes when employees are entitled to overtime compensation, is silent on how many hours per week an employee must work to be deemed full-time. 

In the end, the employer’s definition of full-time employment is the deciding factor.

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Why Do People Choose to Work Part-Time over Full-Time?

People working part-time do so for a variety of reasons. But I think part-time employment is a fantastic alternative for those who want more flexibility with their time because it allows them to pursue other interests and hobbies. Also, some people seek part-time work to achieve a better work-life balance.

Here are some easily relatable scenarios for part-time employment:

  • A parent who wishes to pick up their child from daycare in the middle of the day and then spend time at home can do so by working as a part-time or adjunct professor at a college.
  • A full-time student who cannot commit to a full-time job works part-time as a nanny to help pay for school.
  • Employees who work two or more part-time jobs that add up to a full-time position

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What Are the Benefits of Working Part-Time?

Now that you know why people choose to work part-time, you might ask what the major advantages of working part-time are. 

Part-time hours may be helpful for you for a variety of reasons, including:

The additional free time to pursue extracurricular activities is perhaps the greatest benefit of working part-time. Part-time work may act as a stepping stone for people who don’t have the academic qualifications for their ideal employment since it gives them the flexibility to gain the certification they need to find positions in their preferred field.

Employees may find working full-time hours exhausting. Working in a job where you are constantly stressed can significantly influence your entire performance and possibly your health. 

Having extra time off can also help you achieve a better work/life balance. You’ll have more time for your family, friends, and interests because you’ll be working fewer hours, boosting your sense of personal fulfillment. 

You’ll also be at the office long enough to maintain a professional presence.

1. Enhance Your Time-Management Abilities

Because you have fewer hours during the day to complete your tasks when you work part-time, you will develop better time management skills. 

To make the most of the time you have, you must manage your time effectively, make wise decisions, and develop practical solutions to challenges.

2. New Talents and New Opportunities

Working part-time hours allows you to get expertise and training in various industries. 

If a new employee is less experienced, some employers may be hesitant to hire them for full-time hours. 

However, if a candidate is motivated and eager to learn, they may be more willing to recruit them on a part-time basis.

Working part-time also allows you to work for multiple companies at once, which will enable you to get fresh experiences and build new talents that you might not have had otherwise. 

If you choose to return to full-time hours in the future, these new abilities may enable you to qualify for different jobs.

3. Make More Money 

If you’re good at juggling multiple part-time jobs, you might make more money overall than if you worked for one company full-time. 

Because many paid employees spend 50 or more hours per week, doing various part-time jobs may allow you to work fewer hours.

4. Time to Work on Other Projects and Activities

One of the most appealing aspects of a part-time job is the freedom to pursue other interests in your spare time. 

For example, part-time employment might be suitable if you’re seeking a degree. The job could provide you with experience while still allowing you to finish your degree. 

Other, more advanced options may arise because of the combination of education and experience.

Part-time work may also allow you to pursue professional achievements. A part-time job, for example, might help you gain skills that will qualify you for other employment or enable you to work for a company you want to work for while you wait for a full-time position to open up. 

Finally, part-time work allows you to devote time to writing, painting, or civic outreach initiatives.

Do Part-Time Workers Receive Benefits?

According to the Fair Labor Standards Act, part-time employees don’t have the same benefits as full-time employees. 

It is up to the employer to decide whether part-time employees will be eligible for retirement programs, paid time off, or health insurance in many circumstances. 

It’s also up to the employer to determine whether a part-time employee qualifies for benefits. Employees could, for example, be required to work for the company for a particular amount of time to prepare, regardless of whether they are part-time or full-time.

Employers with 50 or more full-time employees must provide health insurance to their employees. On the other hand, no one compels part-time employees to do so. 

Most firms are under no pressure by law to provide part-time pay to their employees. Even holiday pay is optional. 

Employers can offer paid holidays to part-time employees if they decide to provide holiday pay to their full-time employees. The employer, on the other hand, has the final say.

How Many Hours Is a Part-Time Job?

The number of hours an employee must work to be classified as part-time varies. 

In the United States, there are no clear-cut regulations or policies that specify how many hours a full-time worker or a part-time worker must work. 

Employers typically select how many hours a part-time worker can work based on budget, resources, and the amount of work the person should do.

Most employees define part-time jobs as working between one and 21 hours per week.

On the other hand, part-time employees work between 20 and 29 hours a week on average. 

The hours, however, can vary depending on the position, the organization, and the agreement.

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How Many Hours Is a Part-Time Job a Day?

Depending on the type of job, part-time jobs usually take 4-8 hours a day. 

This is because part-time associates often work shifts of 4 to 5 hours. They may also give you 8 hours on Saturday and Sunday. 

However, when you have a part-time job in a specific company, your work hours can fluctuate because there is no set number of hours each day.

How Many Hours Is a Part-Time Job Per Week?

A full-time employee works at least 40 hours a week on average. Employers select which positions are considered part-time. Therefore, the workweek for someone with part-time employment is less defined.

A part-time employee may work fewer than 35 hours per week or fewer than the number of hours considered “full time” by an employer. 

Some part-time employees may have made a deal with their boss to work 20 hours a week (half of what typically constitutes a full-time job).

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How Do I Calculate How Many Hours I’ll Work in a Week?

Before accepting part-time work, make sure you know what the job entails and if it’s a good fit. 

When you’re recruited for a part-time job, there are a few ways to find out how many hours you’ll be working.

Examine the Job Description: Read the job description thoroughly before applying. You may be able to determine how flexible the employment is and they will expect how many hours and days per week you work.

Know your Availability: They may ask you when you can work (days/hours) on a job application, so know your availability before applying. Many employers are accommodating and will work around the schedules of students, parents, retirees, and those who have other obligations.

Verify during Job Interview: If they don’t mention a timetable ahead of time, it’s permissible to query the work schedule during a job interview if the interviewer doesn’t ask about your availability beforehand. Make a schedule of when you’ll be accessible to share (and when you won’t). Flexibility is always positive because it makes scheduling coverage easier for the company.

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Does Part-Time Jobs Pay Well?

Part-time employment that pays well, such as being a part-time nanny, does exist. 

If you’re concerned about the pay you’ll get with a part-time job, do some research, and you’ll find that some jobs, such as tutoring and nannying, give an excellent hourly wage in exchange for a flexible or short workweek.

The most acceptable part-time employment, or high-paying part-time jobs, sometimes demands a specific skill set or area of interest (for example, not everyone wants to be a private fitness teacher or a dental hygienist or has the training to be one).

That said, there are plenty of good part-time jobs out there, so no matter what your interests are, you’ll be able to find one that suits your needs. 

Numerous websites assist you in your part-time job hunt, whether you’re looking for part-time jobs for moms or part-time employment for students.

Conclusion

You can browse for part-time jobs on Make Daily Profit if you want to work 15 or 20 or 28 hours per week rather than full-time. 

Make sure you’re clear on the employer’s expectations for the position before you start.

How many hours can you expect to work? Or will you be able to decide about your schedule? Will the company provide you with any benefits? Will the position be part-time in the future? 

You can always ask these questions in an interview if the job description doesn’t answer them.

Frequently Asked Questions on How Many Hours is a Part-Time Job

What’s the difference between working full-time and working part-time?

Employers deem it fit to choose the number of hours per week that are full-time and part-time, as well as the distinctions between the two. Part-time employees may not have access to benefits and health care. A part-time worker, for example, may not be eligible for paid vacation, health insurance, or sick leave.

What Part-Time Jobs Are Best?

Part-time jobs have traditionally been the domain of retail, fast food, and hospitality workers, as they require flexible schedules to suit fluctuating demand. However, more professionals are increasingly working part-time to allow more freedom for both employees and businesses.

Is working 32 hours a week considered part-time?

While most businesses define full-time employment as between 32 and 40 hours per week, the Affordable Care Act stipulates that a part-time worker works less than 30 hours per week. A 32-hour workweek is considered full-time under the Affordable Care Act.

Is it possible for a part-time employee to advance to a full-time position?

A temporary adjustment may turn into a long-term one, and a part-time employee may be forced to work full-time hours for a lengthy period. You’ll want to have a policy that specifies when a part-time employee becomes a full-time employee to offer benefits consistently across your organization and avoid any potential IRS and ERISA violations.

Is there a right to vacation for part-time employees?

Employers are not required to provide vacation time to part-time employees. On the other hand, their employers frequently give part-time workers time off. Usually, they often do this on a pro-rata basis.

What rights do part-time workers have?

Part-time workers often do not have access to the same health and retirement benefits as full-time employees. They are entitled to a minimum pay and meal and rest intervals that are proportional to the length of their shift.

What's the difference between working full-time and working part-time?

Employers deem it fit to choose the number of hours per week that are full-time and part-time, as well as the distinctions between the two. Part-time employees may not have access to benefits and health care. A part-time worker, for example, may not be eligible for paid vacation, health insurance, or sick leave.

What Part-Time Jobs Are Best?

Part-time jobs have traditionally been the domain of retail, fast food, and hospitality workers, as they require flexible schedules to suit fluctuating demand. However, more professionals are increasingly working part-time to allow more freedom for both employees and businesses.

Is working 32 hours a week considered part-time?

While most businesses define full-time employment as between 32 and 40 hours per week, the Affordable Care Act stipulates that a part-time worker works less than 30 hours per week. A 32-hour workweek is considered full-time under the Affordable Care Act.

Is it possible for a part-time employee to advance to a full-time position?

A temporary adjustment may turn into a long-term one, and a part-time employee may be forced to work full-time hours for a lengthy period. You’ll want to have a policy that specifies when a part-time employee becomes a full-time employee to offer benefits consistently across your organization and avoid any potential IRS and ERISA violations.

Is there a right to vacation for part-time employees?

Employers are not required to provide vacation time to part-time employees. On the other hand, their employers frequently give part-time workers time off. Usually, they often do this on a pro-rata basis.

What rights do part-time workers have?

Part-time workers often do not have access to the same health and retirement benefits as full-time employees. They are entitled to a minimum pay and meal and rest intervals that are proportional to the length of their shift.

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