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If you’re currently applying for jobs, you may have noticed that some positions are listed as 'full-time' while others are 'part-time.' It's up to you to choose which type of role you want to pursue.
In this blog, I’ll go over the five biggest differences between the two, starting with a breakdown of part-time versus full-time hours, to give you a better understanding of which job type is the best fit for your lifestyle.
5 differences between part-time and full-time jobs
1. The number of hours you work.
The biggest difference between part-time and full-time jobs is the number of hours required to work each one.
The exact number of hours you need to work to be classified as a part-time or full-time employee usually depends on the company you work for, according to the U.S. Department of Labor. In general, though, part-time positions require fewer hours than full-time roles.
At Schneider, for example, associates who work 40 hours or more a week are considered full-time employees. Associates who work 39 hours or less a week are considered part-time employees.
2. The schedule you are assigned.
Due to their reduced working hours, part-time employees work a different schedule than full-time employees.
The number of days part-time employees work depends on:
- How many hours they work per week.
- How many hours each shift is scheduled for.
If a part-time employee works 15 hours per week, for example, they might be scheduled to work five hours per day, three days a week.
Like full-time employees, the days part-time workers are scheduled depends on whether they're assigned to first, second or third shift and if they work on weekends.
3. The way you are compensated.
Part-time employees are usually paid an hourly wage, which means they are paid for each hour they work. Meanwhile, full-time employees can be compensated on an hourly basis or receive a fixed salary.
Both part-time and full-time employees can usually qualify for shift differential if they work hours outside of first shift.
4. The job benefits you qualify for.
The job benefits available to part-time and full-time employees depend on the company they work for and the state they live in.
Full-time employees usually have access to a comprehensive benefits package that includes things like:
- Medical, dental and vision insurance.
- Paid time off and paid holidays.
- A 401(k) with company match.
Part-time employees typically do not have the same level of benefits as full-time employees. However, they may qualify for certain benefits depending on the number of hours they work each week.
For example, someone who works 30 hours per week may be eligible for healthcare benefits, while someone who works 20 hours per week may not be.
5. The work-life balance you have.
The reduced hours that come with part-time roles can provide people with greater control over their time and priorities.
Part-time positions can be beneficial for people who need to work fewer hours per week to accommodate personal commitments, like school or caregiving, or for retired individuals who seek continued employment with less time commitment.
