FullTime

Full-time is a term used to describe a worker who is employed for a standard, full weekly work schedule. The exact number of hours that constitute full-time varies by country, industry, and employer, but it is commonly around 35 to 40 hours per week. In the United States, many employers define full-time as 40 hours per week, though some use 32 or 35 hours. In the European Union, full-time work is often defined by national law or collective agreements within the range of 35 to 40 hours per week.

Full-time work is typically contrasted with part-time work, where employees work fewer hours and may have limited access to benefits or protections. Some jurisdictions and employers also distinguish between permanent (indefinite) full-time employees and temporary or seasonal staff. Employment status and benefits eligibility for full-time workers—such as health insurance, paid leave, retirement plans, and job security provisions—are usually determined by local law and employer policy, and may involve minimum hour thresholds or waiting periods. For example, under the United States Affordable Care Act, an employee is treated as full-time for certain purposes if they work an average of at least 30 hours per week.

In educational contexts, “full-time” may refer to the course load required to be considered a full-time student, which can affect tuition, financial aid, and eligibility for certain programs. The term thus spans both labor and academic settings, with definitions that differ by jurisdiction and context.