Part-Time vs. Full-Time: 5 Differences To Know

What makes full-time work different from part-time work? One answer is the number of working hours. Full-time and part-time employees may also have different experiences in regard to time commitment, compensation, and workload.

In the following article, you’ll learn about the key differences between full-time and part-time employment. Our guide can also help small business owners decide how to best set up individual jobs within an organization and understand employment laws and regulations.

What is part-time employment?

Part-time employees work fewer hours than full-time employees. As a general rule of thumb, a part-time employee works up to half of the hours of a full-time worker, though the true range can vary based on where you live.

Some part-time employees may work a short shift every day, while others may work one or two long shifts each week. The schedule can also change weekly, and some part-time employees may have schedules that shift more or less frequently.

Part-time jobs can be seasonal or year-round. Some require special skills, while others are great for individuals starting their first experience in the workforce. Many part-time jobs pay an hourly wage, but salaried part-time positions also exist.

What is full-time employment?

Many people think of full-time employment as a job that schedules you to work eight hours a day, five days a week. But full-time employee schedules and shifts may vary or swing, just like a part-time employee’s. A full-time employee will work more hours each week, though, typically around 40 hours. Total hours worked may change based on the type of job and shifts that a full-time worker is assigned, as well as their location. 

A bachelor’s degree is necessary for some jobs, while others are open to individuals with a high school diploma or specific work history. 

5 differences between part-time and full-time work

Hours worked per week isn’t the only difference between full- and part-time jobs.

If you’re a jobseeker, your employment type can impact your schedule, compensation, benefits, paid time off (PTO), and work environment. And if you’re an employer, you should know how to correctly classify employees for tax and legal purposes. 

The following five items are some of the biggest and most common differences between full- and part-time work.

1. Schedule and time commitment

The time commitment for full-time workers differs from what part-time workers might expect. Here are a few of the most obvious contrasts:

• Work hours. Full-time employees often work at least 30 hours per week. Part-time hours range between one and 30 hours each week, on average. These reduced hours may offer better work-life balance for some individuals.
• Schedule flexibility. Part-time employees work fewer hours, so they may have more time to devote to other activities. Employers can also more easily adjust part-time employees’ schedules based on the company’s needs and revenue.
• Schedule consistency. Full-time employees may work the same schedule week after week or work on a rotating series of schedules (such as two weeks on day shift, two weeks on night shift). Part-time employees often see their schedule change more frequently depending on their employer’s needs.
• Overtime opportunities. Under normal circumstances, a nonexempt employee in the U.S. can receive overtime pay after working more than 40 hours in a given week. Full-time workers are more likely to reach this threshold.

It’s important to remember that definitions of full-time and part-time employees vary by country. The International Labour Office (ILO) defines a part-time worker as an employee who works comparatively less than a full-time worker. 

2. Compensation and benefits

Full-time workers are often compensated differently than part-time workers. Some key distinctions include:

• Hourly vs. salary pay. Salaried employees are usually considered full-time.  Regardless of how many hours someone works, a salaried employee’s paycheck amount doesn’t change, and salaried employees may not be eligible for overtime pay. Hourly workers’ paychecks reflect the number of hours worked and may include overtime pay.
• Health benefits. In the U.S., companies with 50 or more full-time equivalent or full-time employees must offer health insurance benefits to their workers. Employers can choose to give their part-time employees benefits if their insurance plan allows, but this is not required by law in many locations.
• Retirement benefits. According to the U.S. Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA), employees working more than 1,000 hours in a single year must receive a portion of the retirement benefits they’d be entitled to if they had worked full time. Part-time employees averaging 20 hours a week might be eligible under these rules.
• Vacation and sick leave. Employees must have worked 1,250 hours at a qualifying employer over the last 12 months to qualify for Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) benefits. This averages out to 104 hours per month (or 24 hours per week), so some part-time employees might be entitled to these benefits.
• Unemployment benefits. Unemployment or underemployment benefits often kick in if a full-time worker is laid off from their job, let go for reasons that weren’t their fault, or sees their hours cut by their employer. Such compensation is often based on total hours worked, so a part-time employee may receive some benefits if they lose their job. In the U.S., eligibility varies based on state law.

Despite these differences, both full- and part-time employees in the U.S. are typically eligible for worker’s compensation benefits if they’re hurt on the job.‍

3. Workload and responsibilities

Part- and full-time employees may receive a different amount of work depending on their availability and the number of hours that they work in a day.

For example, a part-time receptionist working in an office for two hours a day may focus on answering the phones, while a full-time worker in the same role may handle scheduling and office supply orders in addition to taking phone calls.

But all workers, regardless of how many hours per week they are on the job, may have important responsibilities — especially if they work in healthcare, education, or other roles where they’re exposed to sensitive personal information.

4. Work environment and culture

Choosing to hire full- or part-time employees can impact a business’s work environment and culture. If current full-time employees feel overwhelmed by their responsibilities, part-time help can provide some relief. But employers and managers need to ensure that all workers feel that they’re part of the same team, regardless of how much time they spend on the clock.

If you’re an employer hiring part-time employees, be proactive about looking for ways to engage them with your team. Doing so can increase part-time workers’ chances of developing loyalty to your company, and of having a greater positive impact.

If you’re a part-time worker in a company that also employs full-time staff, look for ways to get to know your co-workers and engage with the company’s mission. You’ll feel more like a member of the team, and you’ll likely develop a greater sense of job satisfaction.

5. Personal considerations

Sometimes, personal considerations can impact the choice between full- and part-time employment. Here are some additional work arrangements that could appeal to employees looking for a position and companies looking to hire:

• Flextime. Employees must work a specific number of hours, but they can choose when they work. They don’t have to be on the clock from 9 am to 5 pm (unless that’s when they want). A flexible schedule arrangement can provide some of the same work-life balance benefits of a part-time job while employees work full-time.
• Compressed workweek. Rather than working eight hours a day for five days a week, employees can choose to work 10 hours per day for four days. 
• Telecommuting. Employees can work remotely 100% of the time or on certain days of the week. For example, an employee may work in the office on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday and work remotely on Tuesday and Thursday.
• Job sharing. Rather than hiring one full-time employee, a company could hire multiple part-time employees to perform the tasks associated with a full-time position. This helps provide consistent coverage during normal working hours.

Part-time vs. full-time FAQs

By now, you likely have a good understanding of what separates part- and full-time work — but let’s get into a few of the most commonly asked questions about their differences.

How many hours is considered part-time vs. full-time employment?

In the U.S., the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) has no clear standard or definition of full-time versus part-time work. However, the IRS, operating under the mandate of the Affordable Care Act (ACA), calls full-time work any job where an employee works at least 130 hours per month or an average of at least 30 hours per week.

These laws apply regardless of which days or shifts an employee works. 

Which national or federal laws impact part-time vs. full-time work in the U.S.?

In the U.S., the ACA and the FLSA govern part- and full-time work. The FLSA has regulations regarding minimum wage, overtime, hours worked, recordkeeping, and child labor. The ACA defines full-time hours to help employers understand when to offer health insurance.

Other countries have their own laws about what is (and isn’t) considered full- or part-time work. In certain countries, part-time employees can only work a maximum of 25 hours per week. Other countries require part-time employees to work no more than two-thirds of normal full-time hours.

Is part- or full-time employment better?

The main difference between whether part- or full-time employment is better is your own needs and preferences.

If you’re looking for employment, ask yourself a few questions as you evaluate your options and determine the best fit for you.

Do you want to maximize your potential earnings and career advancement opportunities? You’ll likely want to pursue a job where you’ll have full-time status. You’ll enjoy financial stability and a consistent schedule.

Is it more important to maintain your availability outside work? A part-time job is probably a better fit since you’ll work fewer hours and likely have a more flexible work schedule. You’ll have more time off work to fulfill other responsibilities and pursue other interests.

If you’re looking to hire and are unsure whether you need a part- or full-time employee, you’ll have your own questions and factors to consider. Hiring part-time employees is usually cheaper, but full-time employees may provide more consistency and easier planning.

Focus on skills-based roles through Upwork

You can also search for work, or hire experienced individuals, based on the specific skills a job requires. A worker with certain skills (and hours they can devote to work) offers their services to a client for an hourly fee or flat rate. And a company can bring in professionals with a desperately needed skill set — without having to commit to a specific number of full- or part-time hours. 

Freelance work is a great arrangement for workers who want to have full control over their own schedule, and for companies that want to call on trusted professionals when they need specific support.

Whether you’re looking for your first freelance job or want to post a job and get expert help for your business, Upwork is a great place to start. 

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.