Do Part-Time Employees Get Holiday Pay? (2026 Rules Explained)
Do part-time employees get holiday pay? The short answer: no federal law requires it, but many employers offer it anyway. Here’s the full picture for 2026.
Federal Law: No Requirement
The Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) does not require employers to pay for holidays — not for full-time workers, and not for part-time workers. Holiday pay is entirely a matter of employer policy or union contracts.
Which Employers Give Part-Time Workers Holiday Pay?
- Large retailers (Target, Costco, etc.) often extend holiday pay to part-time staff, sometimes pro-rated by hours worked.
- Unionized workplaces frequently include part-time holiday pay in contracts.
- Government part-time positions may include paid holidays.
- Small businesses vary widely — many offer it as a retention perk.
How Part-Time Holiday Pay Usually Works
When offered, it’s typically pro-rated: if you work 20 hours a week (half of full-time), you might get 4 hours of holiday pay instead of 8.
What About Overtime on Holidays?
Working on a holiday doesn’t automatically mean overtime pay. Overtime is only required after 40 hours in a workweek — though some employers pay premium holiday rates voluntarily.
How to Find Out
Always ask during the interview: “Do part-time employees receive holiday pay, and is it pro-rated?” Get the answer in writing in your offer letter.
Browse part-time jobs — many listings note benefits like holiday pay.
