What Is Part Time Employment?
Part time employment refers to a work arrangement where an individual works fewer hours per week than what is considered full-time by their employer or by official statistical agencies. This type of employment falls under the broader category of Labor Economics, which studies the dynamics of the workforce and the factors influencing employment. While there isn't a universally mandated legal definition for the exact number of hours that constitutes part time employment, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) commonly uses a threshold of working less than 35 hours per week in their main job to categorize workers as part-time for statistical purposes48, 49. Employers often define their own thresholds, which can be around 20 hours per week, though some companies may set full-time at 30 hours a week47. Part time employment offers flexibility for both employers and employees, influencing factors such as compensation and employee benefits.
History and Origin
The concept of part time employment has evolved significantly over time, becoming a more prominent feature of the global labor market. While flexible work arrangements have always existed, the formalization and widespread adoption of part-time work accelerated in the latter half of the 20th century. This growth has been influenced by various factors, including the increasing labor force participation rate of women, especially those with family responsibilities, and older workers phasing into retirement45, 46.
The rise of the service sector also played a significant role, as these industries often require more flexible staffing solutions compared to traditional manufacturing or agricultural sectors43, 44. Internationally, part-time work has accounted for a substantial share of overall employment growth in many OECD countries, with its incidence increasing by close to 5 percentage points between 2000 and 2012 for the OECD area as a whole42. Opportunities for part-time work are particularly important for individuals who do not wish to work full-time due to family circumstances, such as women with young children or those caring for the elderly41. The Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) defines part-time employment as usually working less than 30 hours per week in one's main job, a definition used for international comparability given variations in national standards40.
Key Takeaways
- Part time employment involves working fewer hours than full-time, typically less than 35 hours per week as defined by the BLS.
- It offers flexibility for both workers and employers, accommodating various personal and business needs.
- Part-time workers are generally covered by fundamental labor laws like the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) regarding minimum wage and overtime, but often receive fewer benefits than full-time counterparts.
- The prevalence of part time employment can fluctuate with economic conditions, with an increase often observed during economic downturns due to businesses seeking lower labor costs and greater flexibility.
- Workers may choose part-time roles for personal reasons (voluntary) or due to a lack of available full-time positions (involuntary).
Interpreting Part Time Employment
Understanding part time employment involves recognizing its various facets within the overall workforce. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) categorizes part-time workers into two main groups: those working part-time for economic reasons (involuntary part-time) and those working part-time for noneconomic reasons (voluntary part-time)39. Involuntary part-time workers are individuals who would prefer full-time employment but are working part-time because they cannot find full-time work or their hours have been cut due to slack work or business conditions36, 37, 38. This group often indicates a degree of underemployment within the economy.
Conversely, voluntary part-time workers choose to work fewer hours due to personal preferences, such as school, family obligations, childcare issues, or retirement34, 35. The reasons for part-time work have shifted, with school being a consistent primary reason for voluntary part-time employment33. Analyzing the proportion of involuntary part-time workers can provide insights into the health of the labor market and the availability of full-time opportunities.
Hypothetical Example
Consider Maria, a college student who needs to balance her studies with earning income. She secures a part time employment position as a retail associate, working 20 hours per week. Her employer defines full-time as 35 hours per week, so Maria's 20 hours clearly qualify her as a part-time employee.
During busy retail seasons, her manager might offer her additional shifts. However, even if she works 30 hours in a given week, she remains classified as part-time because she is consistently scheduled for fewer than 35 hours. Maria benefits from the flexibility to attend classes and study, while the store benefits from an agile staffing solution to manage fluctuating customer demand without the overhead associated with a full-time hire. This arrangement allows Maria to gain work experience and earn compensation while pursuing her education.
Practical Applications
Part time employment is a pervasive feature across various sectors of the economy and plays a crucial role in diverse aspects of employment and financial planning. Businesses frequently utilize part-time staff to manage fluctuating demand, reduce human resources costs, and provide flexibility in their operations. Industries such as retail trade, leisure, and hospitality, in particular, have a high concentration of part-time workers32.
From an individual's perspective, part time employment can serve multiple purposes. It allows students to finance their education while gaining experience, enables caregivers to balance work with family responsibilities, and provides a gradual transition into retirement for older workers. The Bureau of Labor Statistics regularly publishes data on part-time employment, offering insights into labor market trends and the overall health of the economy. For instance, in July 2025, the number of people employed part-time for economic reasons was 4.7 million, representing those who would have preferred full-time jobs but could not find them or had their hours reduced31.
Moreover, part time employment can be a component of the evolving gig economy, where individuals take on multiple short-term contracts or freelance roles. This model offers significant flexibility but often comes with reduced job security and fewer traditional employee benefits.
Limitations and Criticisms
Despite its flexibility, part time employment has several limitations and faces criticism, primarily concerning worker well-being and economic stability. A significant drawback for many part-time workers is the typically lower rates of pay and reduced access to comprehensive employee benefits, such as health insurance, paid time off, and retirement plans, compared to their full-time counterparts27, 28, 29, 30. This disparity can lead to financial strain and less overall financial security.
Furthermore, involuntary part-time employment, where individuals work part-time due to an inability to find full-time work, signifies a form of underemployment. This not only limits earning potential but can also hinder career progression and skill development26. A report by the OECD highlighted that the rise in temporary and part-time jobs has contributed to growing inequality in developed economies, with such jobs often being less secure and less well-paid than standard employment contracts25. This can create a "two-tier" workforce with different levels of job quality and stability24. Some critics also point out that part-time workers, particularly those in contingent roles, may experience lower morale and feel less integrated into the company culture23.
Part Time Employment vs. Full-Time Employment
The primary distinction between part time employment and full-time employment lies in the number of hours worked and the associated benefits and protections. While there is no strict legal definition for either, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) generally considers a worker to be full-time if they work 35 hours or more per week, and part-time if they work fewer than 35 hours per week21, 22.
Historically and practically, full-time employees typically receive a broader array of employee benefits, including health insurance, paid vacation, sick leave, and eligibility for employer-sponsored retirement plans. Part time employment, while covered by federal regulations such as the minimum wage and overtime pay provisions of the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), often does not include comprehensive benefit packages17, 18, 19, 20. The distinction is crucial for employers in terms of payroll expenses, benefits administration, and human resources planning, and for employees in terms of financial stability and career progression.
FAQs
1. What is the official definition of part time employment in the U.S.?
While there is no single, strict legal definition for part time employment that applies to all situations, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) commonly defines part-time workers as those who usually work fewer than 35 hours per week in all their jobs combined15, 16. Employers, however, can set their own definitions for internal purposes, often around 20 hours per week14.
2. Are part-time employees entitled to employee benefits?
Part-time employees are generally subject to federal labor laws such as the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), which mandates minimum wage and overtime pay for eligible non-exempt workers, regardless of their full-time or part-time status11, 12, 13. However, employers are not federally mandated to provide benefits like health insurance, paid time off, or retirement plans to part-time staff, though some states or individual companies may offer them9, 10.
3. What is the difference between voluntary and involuntary part time employment?
Voluntary part time employment refers to individuals who choose to work fewer hours due to personal reasons, such as pursuing education, caring for family, or other personal commitments7, 8. Involuntary part time employment, on the other hand, describes workers who would prefer full-time work but can only find part-time positions or have had their hours reduced due to economic conditions or business downturns4, 5, 6. The latter can be an indicator of underemployment within the labor market.
4. How does part time employment impact the unemployment rate?
While part-time workers are considered employed and therefore do not directly contribute to the official unemployment rate, an increase in involuntary part-time employment can signal weakness in the labor market. This is because it indicates that many people are not working as much as they desire, reflecting a lack of sufficient full-time job opportunities, which impacts the broader measure of labor underutilization2, 3.
5. Can part time employment lead to full-time opportunities?
Yes, for some individuals, part time employment can serve as a stepping stone to full-time positions. It allows workers to gain experience, demonstrate their skills, and build professional networks within an organization. Employers may also use part-time roles to assess potential candidates before offering full-time employment, though this is not always guaranteed1.