For some professionals, the appeal of part-time employment might even be stronger than full-time.
Whether you’re getting a master’s degree, taking care of family, or building a side hustle into a permanent gig, the flexibility of a part-time job can help you take care of other needs in your life without sacrificing a stable paycheck.
But the rules and definitions of a part-time position vary from job to job, which makes finding an employer that aligns with your needs tricky. How many hours is a part-time job? And what are the standards when it comes to employee benefits and pay?
Breaking down these answers and defining other important differences from full-time employment can help you narrow your job search, find a schedule that works for you, and advocate for your rights.
How many hours is a part-time job?
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), a part-time worker is someone who typically works fewer than 35 hours per week. But no federal legal definition stipulates a minimum number of hours for a part-time job, and maximum hours can shift.
In some circumstances — like holidays or labor shortages — a part-time worker may work more than 34 hours without impacting their classification as a part-time employee.
The standards of part-time hours and full-time hours vary from one employer to another. Some employers consider anything less than 30 hours per week as part-time employment, while others might define it as 15 or 20 hours a week.
While federal labor laws don’t impact these definitions, they’re important to understand. How your potential employer defines part-time and full-time positions may impact your eligibility for company perks and benefits. If you do land a part-time job, ask your manager or supervisor what the standards are so you fully understand before diving in.
Keep in mind that a freelancer or independent contractor is different from a formal employee. According to the IRS, an independent contractor or freelancer is a self-employed worker who has the right to control what work they produce and how they produce it.
This means that, unlike formal part-time employees who might have set hours, freelancers and contractors have the right to determine how many hours they work and when they work them.
6 benefits of part-time jobs
Part-time jobs come in all shapes and sizes, but the benefits of part-time work versus full-time work are worth paying careful attention to. You may find a job with a formal employer, work on a retainer for several clients, or freelance on one-off projects, and each impacts your experience differently.
Here are some potential benefits of a part-time job to consider:
1. Flexibility
According to statistics from the BLS, the ratio of people working part-time voluntarily rather than out of economic necessity is 6:1, and the number of these laborers is 15% higher than it was a decade ago. This may have to do with the flexibility a part-time schedule provides to schedule your workweek, find the right work-life balance, and pursue other responsibilities.
And if your part-time position is on a freelance or contract basis, you have more protections under the law. While a client may track your hours or negotiate deadlines, dictating your day-to-day part-time schedule may infringe on your rights under the IRS’ common law rules that define regular employment and contract work. That means your flexible schedule isn’t just a fun benefit. It’s a right.
2. Financial independence
Part-time employees have the same stability of a monthly salary or regular paycheck as full-time employees, even if their income isn’t as high. For students, parents, or aspiring entrepreneurs, a part-time job lets you make money without committing to 40 hours per week. It offers financial independence and can cushion the financial blow of a career transition.
For contractors, the lack of a steady paycheck is a double-edged sword. While pay fluctuates, you can set your own rates and aren’t bound by a salary ceiling, which can help you earn more. But inconsistent work might impact your income more than you’d like.
3. Resume items
Part-time work can help you learn industry-specific hard skills with valuable on-site training and work experience. And at the same time, part-time workers develop a unique set of soft skills if balancing work with their other pursuits, including time management, work ethic, and adaptability.
4. Networking opportunities
While working alone might be an introvert’s dream job, regularly interacting with colleagues, coworkers, and customers at a part-time job builds interpersonal skills. And if you meet the right people, you’ll also access networking opportunities that contribute to career growth through referrals and knowledge sharing.
5. More freedoms
Freelancers and part-time workers may have more opportunities to work from home, especially with the rise of hybrid and remote work. There are exceptions: a marketing consultant might work from a home office but take meetings, deliver presentations, or attend project launches in person.
But the ability to manage your own schedule and work from anywhere you want has been found to reduce psychological and physical stress. Going part-time is a good option if a rigid schedule makes you feel anxious.
6. Employee benefits and labor laws
While the details and eligibility requirements vary depending on your location, the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) holds part-time worker benefits to the same standard as full-time. This means your rights as an employee won’t suffer when you go part-time. These include:
If you’re a formal employee, make sure your employer respects your rights by paying attention to local regulations of the following:
Downsides of part-time jobs
Although the FLSA doesn’t differentiate between full-time and part-time standards, pay careful attention to part-time employee benefits and the value proposition a potential employer is giving you. While some businesses may extend company perks to part-time workers, they may not be as robust as a full-time benefits package.
If you’re a freelancer, you should consider factoring in securing your own benefits into your fees. A regular client is unlikely to offer you a workplace retirement plan, so it’s a good idea to negotiate your salary depending on your long-term financial goals.
The main downside of working part-time is that when you don’t work as many hours, you don’t make as much money. This means you might have to budget and pay better attention to your finances. This schedule does offer more freedom, but it comes at a price.
9 jobs that offer part-time positions
Between formal part-time employment and opportunities for freelancers, contractors, and consultants, you’ll find part-time work in any industry. Here are some of the best part-time jobs to consider:
1. Healthcare educator
Health education specialists build programs and workshops to teach people about wellness and disease prevention. They typically work for hospitals, nonprofits, and federal agencies in healthcare facilities and remote offices. It’s a fulfilling job and a good choice if you enjoy inspiring others.
Healthcare educators might need a degree in health education. But according to the BLS, there’s potential for professionals from unrelated fields. Graduates with varied backgrounds, like business degree graduates, can pursue certification, a master’s degree, or an internship to learn what they need to know.
2. Public relations specialist
Workers with a background in communications can find a job working freelance on a part-time basis, assisting clients with drafting press releases, coordinating strategic communication plans, and managing public image. Becoming a virtual assistant is also a great position with similar roles and responsibilities.
According to the BLS, the median hourly rate is $37.76, with top earners making $61.75 per hour. Salary varies widely by location and specialization, with higher earners working in computer manufacturing, software publishing, and advertising.
3. Statistician
Statisticians analyze data and use computer programs to develop statistical models, making it a valid option if you’re good with numbers and tech. Although these workers typically function with teams to develop models, they often work from a desk without stressful deadlines.
Statisticians are among the fastest-growing occupations, with 33% growth from 2021–2031 and a median hourly wage of $46.29 per hour, according to the BLS. And the salary range can grow based on niche and experience.
4. Grant writer
Grant writers use their storytelling and persuasion skills to help individuals or organizations receive funding. Beyond writing clear and engaging work, successful grant writers use interpersonal skills to interact with clients and donors, project management to juggle application guidelines, and strong time management skills.
The BLS doesn’t track salary information about grant writers specifically, but Upwork reports a range of $35–$125 per hour, depending on experience. With the right portfolio and LinkedIn profile, you can prove your worth and become a high earner in this position.
5. Project management specialist
If you have a background in business or professional services, you can become a project management consultant. Project managers lend their expertise in coordinating budgets, schedules, and other project details that are integral to the growth of a business.
Project management is broad, which means you can dive deep into a niche. Business analysis and information security are just a couple of skills you can develop and advertise to clients. According to BLS, the median hourly pay is $45.43, but this varies by industry, with finance and insurance garnering the highest earnings. This job is also in high demand at the moment, so it could be a good option if job security is highly important to you.
6. Economic research
Economics graduates develop quantitative and qualitative research skills, critical analysis, and data projection, which are valuable transferable skills. As big data strengthens consumer analytics, businesses need part-time economists to help develop pricing models, advertising strategies, and other important budgets.
Although BLS reports that demand for economists is as fast as average, employment demand is still strong. And according to the BLS, economists earn a median wage of $50.79 per hour.
7. Court reporters and captioners
Court reporters develop word-for-word transcriptions of different types of legal proceedings. Similarly, simultaneous captioners create transcriptions for television or live presentations. Most require certifications or associate degrees to prepare for licensing exams and typing speed tests.
Although BLS currently reports limited growth, federal regulations and an aging population will likely sustain demand. And court reporters who network with lawyers and legal professionals may find additional opportunities in legal support services, where demand is expected to grow 11% from 2021–2031.
8. Physician assistant
Physician assistants leverage their anatomical knowledge with compassion and emotional regulation to aid doctors in examining and treating patients. Workers with a background in patient care, or biology graduates, are eligible to become accredited physician assistants.
While the occupation requires a master’s degree, the BLS predicts job growth of 28% through 2031 with high salaries. The median hourly rate is $58.43 per hour, and full-time high earners have reported up to $164,620 per year.
9. Web developer
Although many web developers need a bachelor’s degree in computer science or programming, postsecondary study isn’t necessary for the job. A web developer who demonstrates knowledge of important hard skills like HTML, JavaScript, and other programming languages can successfully contract their services and build a personal brand.
Freelance, part-time, or otherwise, web developers are in demand. The BLS projects 45,400 new positions from 2021–2031. This high demand may allow you to negotiate fewer hours and better pay as a part-timer.
Create your own definition of part-time work
The most obvious attraction to part-time work is greater flexibility and freedom. How many hours a part-time job is can be determined largely by your goals and ability to tailor your job search to your needs.
All job seekers should prepare questions for a hiring manager, be transparent about their requisites, and carefully read their employment contracts. But part-time employees and contractors should pay extra attention to the fine print. Doing your due diligence will ensure you land the job with the freedoms you’re looking for in your career.
-1.png)
