Full-Time Employment Definition

Term Definition
Full-time employment is not defined by the Department of Labor under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). It is a designation that is left up to the employer to define, and is generally described in a given company’s employee handbook.

Extended Definition
While no labor laws explicitly define full-time employment as contrasted with part-time employment, a full-time employee typically works the maximum number of 40 hours legally allowed per week, or close to it, ranging from 32-40 hours a week. Some full-time employees are compensated with a salary instead of an hourly wage, which remains fixed whether they work more than 40 hours, or fewer. Full-time employment is more often understood as a career position, and these employees typically receive commensurately more training and responsibilities than their part-time co-workers. These positions often entail the possibility of promotion and advancement within the company. Full-time positions also tend to come with benefits such as health insurance, paid vacation and sick time, and retirement savings plans.

Related Article:

Legal Rights of Full-Time Employees
Part-time Employee Benefits