How Many Hours Per Week Is Working Full Time?

As a professional, you may choose to work full time for a single employer in a long-term role with a set number of hours each week. Full-time roles often come with consistent schedules, hourly or salaried pay, and ongoing responsibilities. What qualifies as full time can vary by company, industry, and role. In some cases, full-time employees may also be eligible for certain benefits or legal protections, depending on where they work.

This article explains and clarifies the standards for how many hours a week is full time and what it means to be a full-time employee or contractor. 

Definition of full-time work

The United States doesn’t have a single legal definition of full-time work. However, under the Affordable Care Act (ACA), the IRS defines a full-time worker as employees who work an average of at least 30 hours per week or 130 hours per month to be full time for health insurance purposes. This definition does not apply to all employment laws or benefits. Employers can set their own standards for what qualifies as a full-time role, which in many industries is 40 hours per week. 

Federal labor law also shapes how work hours are treated in the U.S. The Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) doesn’t define full-time employment, meaning that, for the areas the FLSA regulates, employers determine what constitutes full-time hours. However, the FLSA does establish a standard workweek of 40 hours for certain purposes, such as overtime pay for nonexempt workers. 

Keep in mind that working a certain number of hours per week does not automatically entitle you to all benefits. In the U.S., the ACA’s 30-hour standard is used to determine when applicable large employers must offer health insurance coverage. Eligibility for programs like Social Security and Medicare is based on earnings and contributions, not weekly hours worked. Unemployment insurance and workers’ compensation rules vary by state and depend on multiple factors, including employment status and work history.

Full-time working hours 

Employers set their own definition of full time, which is often around 35 to 40 hours per week. The U.S. The Department of Labor defines a workweek as a “fixed and regularly recurring period of 168 hours — seven consecutive 24-hour periods.” 

Traditionally, many full-time employees work eight-hour days for five consecutive days to achieve a 40-hour workweek, with any additional hours counted as overtime. The saying “9-to-5” comes from the common business practice of opening the office at 9 a.m. and closing at 5 p.m. Office hours can be flexible and vary by industry. In some fields, such as health care or manufacturing, shifts may be longer, including 12-hour or overnight schedules. 

Unless you’re an exempt employee, working more than 40 hours in a week is considered to be working overtime. Employers in the U.S. must compensate nonexempt employees for overtime work at a rate of at least 1.5 times their regular pay. 

Full-time work can vary depending on the industry. Some industries, such as health care, the military, or first responders, need workers 24/7 year-round. Hospitals and police offices don’t close on holidays, so these types of jobs may also require longer shifts, including nights, weekends, and holidays.

Other industries, such as legal, mining and logging, transportation, and commission-based jobs, are known for long shifts and workweeks. Certain jobs in these industries may also be exempt from overtime pay. 

Standard full-time work hours in different regions

The legal requirements for what is classified as full-time work depend on the country where you work. Full-time classification can also affect the benefits you receive, such as health care, paid time off, and holidays, depending on local labor laws and employer policies. In France, for example, if you’re an employee, you accrue 2.5 days of paid leave per month worked, which equals about five weeks of paid vacation time per year. 

The definition of full time may also vary by industry and occupation. Some full-time jobs, like those in the medical or hospitality fields, may have different scheduling requirements and follow specific legal guidelines for overtime pay.

In many countries, the standard full-time workweek ranges from 30 to 40 hours. Some countries require overtime pay by law, while others leave overtime rules to collective agreements or company policies. How strictly labor laws are enforced also depends on the country. 

Full-time workweeks around the world: 

• United States. Federal law does not define full-time work. Many employers consider 40 hours per week to be full time. Under the ACA, employees who work 30 or more hours per week at an applicable large employer may be eligible for employer-sponsored health insurance. Overtime generally applies after 40 hours per week for nonexempt employees and is paid at 1.5 times the regular rate.
• France. Full-time work is 35 hours per week. Hours worked beyond that are generally considered overtime and are typically paid at 1.25 times the hourly rate for the first eight hours, then 1.5 times for additional hours, unless a collective agreement sets different terms.
• United Kingdom. There’s no legal definition of full-time work, though many employers use a 35- to 40-hour workweek. Workers generally may not average more than 48 hours per week unless they’ve opted out of that limit in writing.
• Spain. Full-time work is 40 hours per week. Overtime is generally voluntary, except where collective agreements apply, and may be compensated through additional pay or time off. Annual overtime caps may apply.
• Italy.  Full-time work is typically 40 hours per week. Total working time, including overtime, generally may not exceed an average of 48 hours per week.
• Denmark. Full-time is 37 hours per week, as established through collective agreements. Workers generally may not average over 48 hours per week, including overtime. 
• Australia.  Full-time work is generally 38 hours per week. Overtime rules, thresholds, and pay rates vary depending on the role and the applicable award or agreement.
• Canada. Full-time hours and overtime rules vary by province and territory. Many employers use a 40-hour workweek, with overtime thresholds set by local labor laws.
• Japan. Full-time work is 40 hours per week. Overtime is paid at a premium of at least 1.25 times the regular rate, with higher rates applying in certain situations, such as late-night work, work on holidays, or extended overtime hours.

Argentina. The legal maximum workweek is 48 hours. Overtime is generally paid at 1.5 times the hourly rate, with higher rates for weekends and holidays.

Full-time hours in different industries

Standard work shifts and full-time hours can depend on the industry. Some industries must provide 24/7 service, while others require traveling to remote areas or increased hours to meet seasonal demands. Working in one of these industries could mean nontraditional hours outside of the typical nine to five. You could work twelve-hour shifts, nights, or weekends. Some doctors and other emergency service providers may need to work 24-hour shifts. 

Examples of jobs and industries with nontraditional hours and workweeks: 

• Health care (doctor, nurse, physician assistant) 
• First responders (firefighter, police, paramedic, military) 
• Hospitality (hotel staff, restaurant worker, bartender, concierge)
• Transportation (airline, maritime, freight, truck driver, rideshare, or food delivery) 
• Manufacturing (warehouse worker, forklift operator, quality control) 
• Entertainment industry (news, television, and film) 
• Customer service (technical support, call center representative, travel agent) 
• Agriculture (farm hand, greenhouse worker, equipment operator) 
• Retail (sales associate, merchandiser, cashier) 
• Legal (lawyer, paralegal) 

Some jobs in education and finance have seasonal demands. In these jobs, workloads may be lighter for part of the year and more demanding during peak periods. Teachers, for example, typically work a nine-month academic schedule rather than year-round. In finance, tax accountants in the U.S. often work longer hours during tax season, from January through April, to help clients prepare and file returns.

Pros and cons of full-time employment

Whether or not full-time employment works for you depends on your preferences, financial needs, and responsibilities outside of work. Full-time employment has pros and cons, as with any other type of work arrangement. While working full time for one company can offer financial stability, benefits, and a set routine, it can also be less flexible and a bigger commitment compared to working part time or freelancing. 

Evaluating the pros and cons of full-time employment can help you assess whether or not it’s the right fit for you. 

Pros

Working full time comes with several benefits, including:

• Income stability. Full-time workers receive a consistent paycheck delivered weekly, biweekly, or monthly. Income is predictable, allowing for more reliable financial planning and security.
• Benefits. Many full-time workers have access to benefits like health insurance, retirement options, paid time off, vacation time, and child care.
• Job security. Full-time roles often provide more stability than part-time or temporary work, depending on the job and employer.
• Career advancement. Companies that use full-time workers tend to promote from within, allowing for career growth. They may also offer more career development opportunities to full-time employees.

Cons 

Downsides to full-time work might include:

• Flexibility. Full-time roles often follow a fixed schedule, with set working hours each week. In many cases, employers determine schedules, giving workers less control over their weekly hours.
• Burnout. Full-time work can often have sustained demands and, over time, cause workers stress, increasing the risk of burnout.
• Work-life balance. Not all full-time work is equal, and depending on the responsibilities, some companies may require employees to work outside set hours, negatively impacting life outside work. As a result, maintaining hobbies and outside interests, or caretaking, can be more challenging.
• Corporate structure. Full-time roles often come with more defined expectations and processes, which can limit autonomy in how work is done. While many companies have human resources (HR) teams to support employees and address concerns, raising an issue doesn’t always result in a resolution.

Impact of remote work on full-time hours

Many companies have adopted remote or flexible working policies that allow employees to work from home at least part of the time. This has impacted what full-time hours look like as companies shift from measuring productivity by time spent in the office to measuring actual employee output. 

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Remote work allows employees to work hours that best fit their lifestyles, as long as they meet deadlines and fulfill their responsibilities. Some roles may still need to be online for designated hours during their shift. Companies can monitor employee activity with time-tracking software that measures keystrokes and takes random screenshots. 

Companies may have “core hours” designed for meetings and collaborating across time zones, but be flexible about when employees are logged into their computers, especially for salaried workers. Salaried workers are paid the same amount each week regardless of the hours they work. They’re typically not eligible for overtime. 

Remote work allows companies to hire from a broader talent pool, rather than limiting themselves to local candidates or those willing to relocate. As a remote worker, you don’t have to commute to the office and can have more flexibility over where you live. 

Alternative work options

Full-time employment isn’t the right choice for everyone. You can explore alternative work options that best fit your personal situation. Working part time could allow you to be a caretaker or start your own business during your off hours. Freelancers often get to set their schedules and work from home. Alternative work options let you decide what work looks like for you. 

Part-time work

Part-time work is commonly defined as working fewer hours than a standard full-time schedule, though the exact number can vary by employer, country, and industry. In many cases, part-time workers work less than 30 to 35 hours per week. Differences between full-time and part-time work may include:

• Hours. Full-time workers work between 30 and 40 or more hours a week, while part-time employees usually work fewer hours. 
• Job security. Part-time roles may offer less stability than full-time positions, especially when they are temporary or seasonal.
• Benefits. Full-time workers are more likely to receive benefits, like health insurance or retirement plans, while part-time employees generally receive fewer comprehensive benefits.
• Flexibility. Part-time work can offer greater scheduling flexibility, making it easier to balance personal responsibilities. However, flexibility varies by role, and some part-time jobs still require fixed or irregular schedules. Full-time work often involves set schedules, resulting in more consistent working hours.

• Compensation. Because they work fewer hours, part-time employees generally earn less overall than full-time workers. Pay rates can vary widely, with some roles paying hourly wages and others relying on tips or commissions, depending on the job, location, and industry.

Contract work

Contractors work under set-length agreements, either full time or part time, with contracts that can range from a few months to a year or more. Working as a contractor can allow you to take time off in between contracts and see what it’s like to work at different companies.

• Hours. Contractors often work under terms defined in their contract, which may allow for flexible schedules or variable workweeks. In contrast, full-time employees typically follow a consistent schedule set by the employer.
• Job security. Contract work is tied to the length and terms of the agreement. While contractors may have work for the duration of a contract, assignments can end when the contract finishes or if the project needs change.
• Benefits. Independent contractors generally do not receive benefits from the companies they work with. In some cases, contractors may have access to benefits through a staffing agency or separate arrangement.
• Compensation. Contract roles may offer higher hourly or project-based pay compared to full-time positions, due to the temporary nature of the work and the lack of employer-provided benefits.

Portfolio work

Portfolio work involves workers splitting their time across multiple part-time roles or income sources to create a full workweek. Instead of working for a single employer full time, someone might combine several jobs or gigs to meet their income needs. For example, a gig worker could spend 20 hours a week in a retail role and earn additional income through ride-sharing or food delivery to fill out the rest of their portfolio schedule.

This kind of fractional employment can even apply at leadership levels. Startups and other growing or lean enterprises might hire C-suite managers to work part time for their organizations. For example, a skilled marketing manager could lead strategy development for two or more companies at the same time.

The differences between portfolio or gig work and full-time work are:

• Hours. Portfolio work often involves combining multiple roles or projects to create a full workweek, but available hours can vary. Workers may not consistently secure the same number of hours as a full-time employee.
• Job security. Gig work generally offers less stability than full-time employment, since income depends on ongoing demand across platforms or clients rather than a single employer.
• Benefits. Gig workers typically don’t receive employer-provided benefits like health insurance or retirement plans, but many accept this tradeoff in exchange for greater flexibility.
• Flexibility. Gig work often offers more control over when and where you work, though schedules can still depend on client needs, platform demand, or peak hours.‍
• Compensation. Gig work can sometimes match or exceed full-time earnings, but income depends on consistently finding enough work and may fluctuate from week to week.

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Freelancing

Freelancers are self-employed and offer their services on a contract or project basis. As a freelancer, you may work directly with clients and advertise your services on your website or use a freelancing platform like Upwork. Freelancers control their availability, choose which projects to accept, and set how they work. Contracts can be full time or part time and structured as hourly or fixed-price, depending on the project. 

Working as a full-time employee and freelancing have fundamental differences, including:

• Hours. Freelancers often have more control over their schedules and may work part time or full time on a project-by-project basis. While some freelance roles allow flexible hours, others may require set availability depending on client needs.
• Job security. Freelancers are responsible for finding their own work, meaning income depends on securing and completing projects rather than ongoing employment.
• Benefits. Freelancers manage their own benefits, such as health insurance and retirement plans, rather than receiving employer-provided benefits. 
• Taxes. Freelancers are responsible for paying both employer and employee portions of Medicare and Social Security tax (in the United States) and generally must pay quarterly taxes.
• Flexibility. Freelance work often allows greater flexibility in where and how work is completed, as long as project requirements and deadlines are met. Many freelancers can work remotely unless the skill requires them to work onsite. 
• Compensation. Freelancers are typically paid hourly or per project. Depending on demand, experience, and negotiated rates, freelancers may earn more than full-time employees. 

Adriana Danaila explains why she prefers the flexibility of freelancing over working as a full-time employee with a set schedule in her success story:

“Don’t get me wrong. I liked my job. But there were days when we didn't have much to do. And I would really have liked to just be told — OK, you can go home now. And on the days we had a lot of work, I would have been happy to stay more hours over the regular nine to five. But it didn’t work like that. Eight hours, no matter what. It made no sense to me!” 

Freelancers can connect with clients actively looking to hire independent professionals on Upwork, the world’s human and AI-powered work marketplace. Clients post jobs across more than 130 categories and 10,000 skills, making it easier to find work that matches your expertise. Everything you need, from finding jobs, collaborating with clients and getting paid securely, is all in one place. Anyone can sign up and start their career in freelancing on Upwork, regardless of where they are in their career. 

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Full-time employment FAQs

Full-time employment raises many questions, like whether a worker is entitled to overtime pay or guaranteed benefits. These FAQs can help you better understand full-time work. ‍

Are all full-time employees eligible for overtime pay?

No, not all full-time employees in the U.S. are eligible for overtime pay. Under FLSA, employers must pay overtime to nonexempt employees who work more than 40 hours in a workweek, regardless of whether they are paid hourly or on a salary basis.

Certain exemptions apply for employees in executive, administrative, or professional roles who meet specific job duties and salary requirements. Overtime eligibility is determined by a combination of job duties, salary basis, and salary level.

Are full-time employees guaranteed employee benefits?

Employee benefits aren’t guaranteed to full-time workers. The benefits a company must legally provide full-time employees depend on the country, state, or province in which they live. Some employers offer benefits such as health insurance or retirement plans, particularly in regions where health coverage requirements apply.

In the U.S., programs like Social Security, Medicare, and unemployment insurance are legally required for eligible workers and funded through payroll contributions rather than offered as traditional employer-provided benefits. State and local laws may also require certain benefits, like paid sick leave or disability coverage.

Check your country and state laws and your specific benefits package to see what benefits apply to you as a full-time worker. Some companies work to attract and retain talent by offering additional benefits beyond what is legally required. 

When applying for jobs, check the company's website for benefits or ask the recruiter during your interview. Benefits like unlimited PTO (personal time off) or stock options are factors to consider when evaluating job offers and salary requirements.  

What is the maximum number of hours a full-time employee can work (or be asked to work)?

The maximum number of hours a full-time worker can work varies by industry and country. In the U.S., the FLSA doesn’t limit the number of hours an employee can work, but it does require overtime pay for nonexempt employees who work more than 40 hours in a workweek. 

In other countries, such as France, standard working hours are set by law, with overtime rules applying once those limits are exceeded. Some jurisdictions also cap the total number of hours an employee can be asked to work, with penalties for violations.

Always review your employment contract and local labor laws, as employers may set additional limits or policies around working hours.

Find full-time workers, freelancers, and full-time or part-time work opportunities on Upwork

Whether you’re looking to build a scalable workforce or design your career, you can make Upwork your home for work. 

As a freelancer on Upwork, you can find projects that match your skills, interests, and experience. You decide which opportunities to pursue and which clients to work with, giving you greater control over how you structure your time. This flexibility makes it easier to build a schedule that fits your goals, whether you’re freelancing full time, taking on projects alongside other work, or developing new skills through hands-on experience. If you’re interested in full-time roles, you can let clients know you’re open to full-time employment on your profile and search for contract-to-hire roles. 

As a client, you can find high-quality talent to support your business at every stage on Upwork. Connect with independent professionals for short-term projects, ongoing work, or specialized expertise by posting a job and reviewing qualified candidates. Whether you’re looking for flexible support or exploring a full-time hire, Upwork makes it easy to find talent that fits your goals, budget, and timeline.

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This article is intended for educational purposes and should not be viewed as legal or tax advice. Please consult a professional to find the solution that best fits your situation.