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Standard Working Hours in the United States

Standard Working Hours in the United States

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Summary

  • Most Americans work 47 hours a week, averaging above the standard 40.
  • USA working hours often stretch beyond 9 to 5.
  • 60% of U.S. workers didn’t take a vacation last year.
     

Last updated on June 18, 2025

Frequently asked questions

Standard working hours in the United States are typically Monday to Friday, 9 am to 5 pm, with a 30-minute lunch break. This schedule represents a 40-hour workweek, which is common across many industries. However, actual hours can vary by employer, industry, and job type.

According to Gallup, the average American works about 47 hours per week, which is nearly 9.4 hours per day. This is higher than the traditional 40-hour workweek and reflects the tendency for many employees to work beyond standard hours, especially in salaried positions.

Under federal law, overtime pay applies when a non-exempt employee works more than 40 hours in a workweek. Overtime must be compensated at 1.5 times the employee’s regular hourly rate. Certain salaried workers may be exempt from overtime, depending on their role and salary level. 

Federal law does not require employers to provide lunch or rest breaks. However, many states have their own regulations mandating meal or rest periods. In practice, most American workers receive a 30-minute lunch break, though the length and timing can vary by employer and state.

Nearly 60% of U.S. workers did not take a vacation in the past year, and 13% plan to take fewer days off this year. The lack of federally mandated paid leave contributes to this trend, making the United States one of the few developed countries without guaranteed vacation time.