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| Industry | Average hours of work, per week |
|---|---|
| Mining and logging | 45.0 |
| Utilities | 42.3 |
| Manufacturing | 39.9 |
| Wholesale trade | 39.1 |
| Construction | 38.9 |
| Transportation and warehousing | 38.0 |
| Financial activities | 37.4 |
| Professional and business services | 36.4 |
| Information | 36.4 |
| Trade, transportation, and utilities | 33.9 |
| Private education and health services | 33.2 |
| Other services | 32.3 |
| Retail trade | 29.8 |
| Leisure and hospitality | 25.6 |
- Region: United States
- Time period: Feb 2024
- Published: Mar 2024
Data Analysis and Insights
Industry with the Highest Average Work Week
Mining and logging industry workers experience the longest average workweek at 45.0 hours. This surpasses the next highest, utilities, by 2.7 hours, illustrating a significant variance in work hours across industries.Industries with Work Weeks Longer Than the National Private Sector Average
Only five industries report average work weeks longer than the national private sector average of 34.3 hours. These include mining and logging, utilities, manufacturing, wholesale trade, and construction, highlighting a distinct separation between industrial and service-oriented sectors in terms of work hours.Contrast in Work Hours Between Sectors
Leisure and hospitality workers have the shortest average workweek at 25.6 hours, almost 20 hours less per week than workers in the mining and logging industry. This stark contrast showcases the wide disparities in work hours among different sectors.Manufacturing Industry's Position
With an average workweek of 39.9 hours, the manufacturing industry ranks third for the longest work hours. This indicates a robust work requirement that is closer to traditional full-time employment standards than many other sectors.Retail and Leisure Sectors' Shorter Work Weeks
Retail trade and leisure and hospitality industries report significantly shorter average work weeks, at 29.8 and 25.6 hours respectively, suggesting a prevalence of part-time employment or variable work schedules in these sectors.Professional Services and Information Sector Work Week Comparison
Professional and business services and the information sector both average 36.4 hours per week, underscoring a similarity in work duration that may reflect standard full-time work hours in office and tech-based roles.Frequently Asked Questions
Which industry experiences the longest average workweek?
The mining and logging industry has the longest average workweek at 45.0 hours.
What industry has the shortest average workweek?
The leisure and hospitality industry has the shortest average workweek at 25.6 hours.
Terms and Definitions
Working week hours, also known as work week hours, refer to the total number of hours an individual is actively engaged in their job within a week. The concept is used to measure work intensity and labor regulations. The common base for a full-time working week varies across different countries, with 40 hours considered as the standard in many places.
Full-time employment refers to a situation where an individual works a minimum number of hours defined as such by their employer or by the laws of the country. In many places, this is typically around 35 to 40 hours per week.
Part-time employment refers to a work arrangement that involves fewer hours per week compared to full-time employment. The specific number of hours can vary widely, but it's typically less than 35 hours per week.
Overtime refers to the time an employee works beyond their regular working hours. The threshold of what constitutes regular time can vary by job contract, company policy, or employment laws, but generally refers to anything over 40 hours per week. In many situations, employers are required to pay overtime wages for these additional hours worked.
Work intensity refers to the degree of effort or diligence applied in performing work tasks. It can be measured by considering factors such as working hours, workload, job demands and complexity. Higher work intensity often translates to longer working hours.
Labor regulations are rules and laws set by local, federal, or international bodies that govern working conditions and standards, including working hours, overtime, minimum wage, and worker safety. They aim to protect worker rights and create fair and safe working environments.
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