by Michael Cheary
Not quite sure how your job is classified?
For most roles, it all comes down to the amount of hours you work. Every type of contract will have it’s advantages, but knowing the difference between full-time and part-time is essential to finding the perfect fit for your schedule.
To help you get started, here’s everything you need to know about full-time hours and part-time hours – and how to work out which one is right for you.
What are full-time hours?
Most employers generally agree that full-time work is anything around 35 hours and above.
However, there’s actually no official amount of hours which classifies a job as being full-time, and it could drop as low as 30 hours per week for some roles (which is why this is often considered the minimum).
This may also vary depending on the industry you work in. So it’s always important to check with your employer to find out what they see as being full-time.
How many hours is part-time?
Part-time hours can be anywhere from a few hours a week, right up to 35 hours.
As with full-time hours, there’s no official classification. But no matter how many hours you work, employers must treat you the same as a full-time employee.
Five of the best-paying part-time jobs
What are my rights as a part-time worker?
Part-time workers have all the same rights as a full-time worker, meaning that they can’t be treated less favourably than their colleagues – even if they work fewer hours.
That means that part-time staff should be treated the same for:
- Rates of pay (including redundancy and sick pay)
- Holiday and leave (including maternity/paternity leave etc.)
- Pension entitlement
- Training and career development opportunities
- Promotion opportunities
Some factors, such as overtime pay or health insurance, may differ for part-time workers. Similarly, certain bonuses may be offered ‘pro rata’ (meaning they’re given in proportion to the hours you work).
This should be covered in your employment contract, or during the onboarding process.
Employee rights
What are the most hours you can work?
The maximum number of hours you can work per week is 48 hours (averaged over a period of 17 weeks).
However, there are some exceptions to this. For example, you can choose to ‘opt out’ of the weekly limit, if you want to work more.
Some jobs may also require you to exceed the maximum number of working hours. Examples include:
- The armed forces
- The emergency services
- Some security and surveillance positions
- Sea fishing
- Other positions which may require 24 hour staffing
The maximum amount will also vary if you’re under 18.
For more information about how many hours you can work, visit gov.uk/maximum-weekly-working-hours.
Working hours: What you need to know
Advantages of working full-time hours
Obviously, full-time positions will only work for those who can commit that amount of hours every week – meaning it won’t be an option for everyone.
However, there are a number of benefits for those who can work full-time, including:
- Higher income
- Full bonuses
- Higher pension contributions
- Possibility of health insurance, and other benefits
- More on-the-job experience
View all available full-time jobs now
Advantages of working part-time hours
For certain people, working part-time may be the obvious choice when it comes to their lifestyle – whether it’s juggling family commitments, studying, or anything else.
Some great benefits of working part-time include:
- Better work-life balance
- Saving on childcare/commuting costs
- Trying an industry before fully committing
- Opportunities for overtime
- Potentially less stressful than being full-time
Part-time CV template
View all available part-time jobs now
What other types of employment contracts are there?
Aside from full-time and part-time, there are a number of other contracts you could be employed on.
These include (but are not limited to) the following:
- Fixed term contracts
- Temporary contracts
- Agency contracts
- Freelance contacts
- Zero hour contracts
To find out more about each of the above, read our quick guide on the different types of employment contracts.
Still searching for your perfect position? View all available jobs now
Sign up for more CareerAdvice
FAQs
There is no specific number of hours that makes someone full or part-time, but a full-time worker will usually work 35 hours or more a week.
What is the difference between part-time and full-time? ›
A full-time employee is, for a calendar month, an employee employed on average at least 30 hours of service per week, or 130 hours of service per month. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS): Full-time employment is usually 35 hours or more per week. Part-time employment is usually 1 - 34 hours per week.
Is 30 hours considered full-time in Michigan? ›
Under the Affordable Care Act (ACA) the definition of Full-time includes variable hour employees who are paid an average of 130 hours/month (30 hours week). The mandate for Employer health insurance coverage is not based on hours actually worked, but rather, hours paid.
Why do companies hire part-time instead of full-time? ›
Pros of hiring part-time employees
Lower overhead costs: It's less expensive to have part-time staff; full-time employees often require higher salaries and employee benefits. Flexibility: Hiring part-time workers allows for more nimble staffing for fluctuating scheduling needs.
Should I do my master's full-time or part-time? ›
Prices do vary, but it's worth looking into and determining whether you're saving money on your degree in the long run by going full time. You can immerse yourself entirely in the experience. People who attend graduate school part time are juggling a lot of responsibilities — and usually a full-time job.
How many hours is full-time at UK? ›
It's also not uncommon for employers to try to meet somewhere in the middle and fix their full time week at 37.5 hours, but this may prove a little harder to calculate. Typically, working 35 hours a week or more constitutes a full time position in the UK.
How do I know if I'm full-time or part-time? ›
For example, BLS classifies anyone who works more than 35 hours a week at a company as a full-time employee and anyone who works fewer than 35 hours per week as a part-time employee. Each company has its own policy as well for what is considered part-time and how many hours is considered full-time.
How many hours is part-time in the UK? ›
Part-time work typically involves working less than 30-35 hours a week, with an average of around 16 hours. However, there is no fixed definition, and it can vary by employer and job. In the UK, a full-time job is often defined as working 35 hours or more per week, though this can vary.
How many hours is a part-time job in a day? ›
Full-time and part-time hours are usually expressed by the week or month, with 40 hours per week being the traditional standard for full-time. Therefore, anyone who consistently works less than eight hours per day could be considered a part-time employee, though it ultimately depends on the employer's policies.
What is the difference between part-time and full-time in Michigan? ›
Part-Time Employees vs. Full-Time
Many states, including Michigan, do not make a distinction between part-time and full-time employees in terms of the number of hours worked. If any employee works more than 40 hours a week, Michigan requires that they be paid time and a half for those excess hours.
No, Michigan does not mandate double-time pay specifically for Sunday work. In Michigan, overtime pay is calculated based on hours worked over 40 in a workweek, at a rate of 1.5 times the regular pay rate. There are no specific state laws requiring double-time pay for working on Sundays or any other day.
How many breaks do you get in an 8 hour shift in Michigan? ›
Michigan Law Doesn't Require Meal or Rest Breaks
In other words, although breaks are not required, employers must pay employees for time they spend working and for shorter breaks during the day.
Should I work part or full-time? ›
Fewer hours worked generally means a smaller paycheck, and you must decide whether your budget allows for that reality. While salary is, of course, a major consideration, don't forget about the other perks full-time employment often includes: Health insurance. Paid time off.
What are the pros and cons of working part-time? ›
Part-time positions offer unparalleled flexibility, appealing to individuals seeking that elusive work-life balance. Fewer hours enable employees to excel at work while managing personal commitments. On the flip side, full-time roles provide stability, featuring standard workweeks and enticing benefits.
Why is full-time work better? ›
In addition to a stable income, full-time employment often comes with additional perks and benefits. These can range from access to health insurance and paid time off to stock options and professional development opportunities.
What is the part time limit hours in the UK? ›
During term time, you are allowed to work a maximum of 10 hours per week for any course below degree level, such as a pathway programme at the Royal Holloway International Study Centre, and 20 hours per week for degree-level courses. During official holidays, you can work full-time, up to 40 hours per week.
What is full-time salary in UK? ›
According to the latest figures, the average salary in UK per month is £1,950 or £29,600 per year. As of 2022, the gross minimum salary in the United Kingdom is £15.65 per hour.
How much does part time pay UK? ›
How much does a Part time make in United Kingdom? The average part time salary in the United Kingdom is £25,568 per year or £13.11 per hour. Entry level positions start at £21,747 per year while most experienced workers make up to £40,000 per year.
