What is part-time employment?

Part-time employment is where an employee works fewer hours per week compared to a full-time employee, who typically works 40 hours or more. While the exact number of hours can vary between companies and industries, part-time work is generally considered to be less than 30-35 hours per week. This range is ultimately derived from the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), which defines overtime pay eligibility for part-time and full-time employees without setting specific guidelines for what constitutes part-time vs. full-time hours.

Part-time jobs can offer flexibility in scheduling, with some providing fixed hours and others having more variable “on-call” arrangements. This flexibility makes part-time work a good option for individuals who need to balance work with other commitments, such as students, caregivers, retirees, or those looking for a part-time job to gain experience or earn additional income.

On the other hand, full-time employment typically offers a more stable schedule and may come with benefits not available to part-time employees, such as health insurance, paid time off, sick leave, and retirement plans. The choice between a part-time and full-time job often depends on an individual's personal and professional needs, including schedule flexibility, income requirements, and career goals.

Learn more about part-time vs. full-time employment.

Types of part-time work arrangements

How does part-time employment work?

Part-time employment can function in several ways, depending on the employer and the nature of the job:

• Hours: Part-time employees often work fewer than 30-35 hours per week. This reduced schedule, typically ranging from 20 to 30 hours per week, directly influences their eligibility for certain company benefits, distinguishing them from full-time employees who usually work 40 hours or more. How many hours part-time employees typically work helps determine their access to benefits such as health insurance and retirement plans.
• Scheduling: Some part-time jobs have fixed schedules with predictable hours, while others might offer more flexible arrangements like on-call availability. Seasonal and temporary part-time positions often have schedules based on the time of year or the needs of a specific project.
• Benefits & compensation: A part-time employee may or may not receive the same benefits as full-time employees. Full-time workers often have access to a broader range of benefits, including health insurance, retirement plans, and paid leave, which are not always available to part-time employees. Compensation is typically based on an hourly rate, which might be the same as, or less than, what full-time employees in the same role earn.
• Legal considerations: Part-time employees are still protected by labor laws, including those related to minimum wage, overtime (if applicable), and workplace safety.

Why is part-time employment important?

Part-time employment plays a valuable role in the workforce and offers benefits to both individuals and employers:

• Work-life balance: Part-time work allows people to balance their jobs with other responsibilities, such as childcare, eldercare, pursuing education, or personal interests.
• Stepping stone: Part-time jobs can be an entry point into the workforce, providing a way to gain experience, build skills, and explore different career paths.
• Filling workforce gaps: Part-time workers can supplement full-time staff, covering specific shifts or handling fluctuating workloads.
• Reduced costs: Employers may save on costs associated with full-time employees, such as benefits packages.
• Increased staffing options: Part-time employment widens the pool of potential candidates, attracting people who might only be available for part-time hours.

What are the downsides of part-time employment?

While part-time work offers advantages, you'll want to keep these potential drawbacks in mind:

• Reduced income: Part-time employees typically earn less than their full-time counterparts due to working fewer hours. This can make financial planning more challenging.
• Limited benefits: Benefits like health insurance, retirement plans, and paid time off may be unavailable or offered at a reduced level for part-time workers.
• Less job security: Part-time positions can sometimes be less secure than full-time jobs, potentially making employees more vulnerable during economic downturns.
• Fewer advancement opportunities: Career progression and promotions might be slower or less readily available in part-time roles compared to full-time positions.
• Potential scheduling challenges: Some part-time jobs have inconsistent or unpredictable schedules, which can be difficult for individuals who need reliable hours.