Full-Time Hours

Full-time hours are the number of hours an employee is expected to work as part of a regular full-time schedule. Many employers use 40 hours per week, but there is no single federal definition that applies in every situation.

Under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), employers generally determine whether a position is considered full time or part time. An employee's full-time status also doesn't determine whether overtime applies. A nonexempt employee can still be entitled to overtime when they work more than 40 hours in a workweek, regardless of whether the employer considers them full time or part time.

Other laws may use their own definition of full-time employment. For example, under the Affordable Care Act's employer shared responsibility provisions, an employee is generally considered full time for a calendar month if they average at least 30 hours of service per week or 130 hours of service per month.

Because the definition can change depending on the purpose, employers should clearly define full-time hours in their policies and apply that definition consistently. They should also check whether federal, state, or local rules use a different standard for benefits, leave, scheduling, or other employment requirements.

Frequently asked questions

How many hours a week is considered full time?

There is no universal federal number for all employment purposes. Many employers consider 40 hours per week full time, but employers may establish a different standard unless a specific law or program defines full-time status differently.

Is 30 hours a week considered full time?

It can be. For purposes of the Affordable Care Act's employer shared responsibility provisions, an employee is generally considered full time if they average at least 30 hours of service per week or 130 hours per month. An employer may use a different definition for other workplace purposes.

Is 40 hours a week required to be considered full time?

No. The FLSA does not require employers to use 40 hours as the definition of full-time employment. Forty hours is important for a different reason: covered nonexempt employees generally become eligible for federal overtime after working more than 40 hours in a workweek.

Does working full time automatically mean an employee receives benefits?

Not necessarily. Eligibility for benefits can depend on the employer's plan terms and the laws that apply to the specific benefit. Employers should clearly define eligibility requirements rather than assuming that one definition of full-time employment applies everywhere.