Typical Paid Holidays: What Most Employees Get Each Year
Written by
Rudri Patel
Edited by
Elizabeth Constantineau
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In the United States, paid holidays are a key component of employee benefits, offering rest and celebration time without the loss of income. Typical paid holidays often include major celebrations like New Year’s Day and Christmas. While the specific holidays observed can vary from one employer to another, there are several commonly recognized paid holidays across the country. Keep reading to find out what they are.
What Are Paid Holidays?
A paid holiday is when an employee receives regular pay for their services but there is no requirement to work.
Companies are not required to offer paid holidays under federal law. The policy to offer a paid holiday is determined by each individual employer’s policies.
Paid Holiday vs. Floating Holiday vs. PTO: Key Differences
Confused about all the lingo between paid and floating holidays as well as PTO? This chart will help you understand the differences.
| Feature | Paid Holiday | Floating Holiday | PTO |
|---|---|---|---|
| Definition | A fixed, paid day off that is scheduled based on national holidays. | An employee chooses a flexible day off during the year. | A pool of paid days for vacation, sick leave or personal time. |
| Examples | Christmas, Thanksgiving, July 4th | Your birthday or religious holiday | Doctor’s appointment, vacation |
| Scheduled by | Employer | Employee | Employee |
| Paid | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Available to part-time employees | Sometimes | Sometimes | Typically yes |
| Use it or lose it? | Typically no | Often expires at year’s end | Sometimes — depends on company policy |
Most Common Paid Holidays Offered by Employers
Below is a list of typical paid holidays offered by many U.S. employers. Some employers may also include Christmas Eve, Juneteenth or New Year’s Eve.
| Holiday | Date (Typically Observed) |
|---|---|
| New Year’s Day | January 1 |
| Martin Luther King Jr. Day | 3rd Monday in January |
| Presidents Day | 3rd Monday in February |
| Memorial Day | Last Monday in May |
| Independence Day | July 4 |
| Labor Day | First Monday in September |
| Thanksgiving Day | Fourth Thursday in November |
| Day after Thanksgiving | Often included as a bonus paid day |
| Christmas Day | December 25 |
Additional Paid Holidays Some Companies Offer
Some companies offer other paid holidays in addition to the standard paid holidays. These may include the following:
- Juneteenth
- Veterans Day
- Columbus Day / Indigenous Peoples Day
- Christmas Eve or New Year’s Eve
- Floating holidays, such as birthdays, cultural or religious days
Paid Holidays in Government vs. Private Sector
What are the differences between paid holiday policies between the government and private sector? Typically federal government employees get 11 holidays, while private sector employees may get fewer depending on company policy.
Here is a breakdown of the differences:
| Feature | U.S. Govt. Employee | Private Sector Employee |
|---|---|---|
| Standard paid holidays | Usually 11 | 7 to 10 — dependent on company |
| Guaranteed by law | Yes, for federal government employees | No, up to the company’s discretion |
| Common holidays | New Year’s Day, MLK Jr. Day, Presidents Day, Memorial Day, Juneteenth, Independence Day, Labor Day, Columbus Day, Veterans Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas | Varies — most offer New Year’s, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas |
| Floating holidays | Rare | Common |
Do All Employers Offer Paid Holidays?
It isn’t a federal legal requirement to offer paid holidays in the United States.
When a company does offer paid holidays, it is typically for full-time roles. Larger companies tend to offer seven to 10 paid holidays.
Part-time or contract workers are not always offered paid holidays.
Final Thoughts
Knowing which typical paid holidays are included in your benefits package can give you a clearer picture of your total compensation. Before accepting a job offer, be sure to review the company’s holiday policy. If you’re comparing offers, don’t just focus on salary — consider paid time off and holiday pay as part of the overall value.
FAQ
Here are the answers to some of the most frequently asked questions regarding paid holidays.- How many paid holidays do most employers offer?
- Most employers offer seven to 10 paid holidays during the year.
- Are employers required to give paid holidays?
- No, under federal law, employers are not required to provide paid holidays.
- What happens if I work on a paid holiday?
- It depends on the individual company. Some companies may pay you a premium, while others may offer a future date as a day off.
- Are part-time employees eligible for paid holidays?
- Not always. It depends on the company's policy.
- What is a floating holiday?
- A floating holiday is a paid day off used at the employee's discretion.
Elizabeth Constantineau contributed to the reporting for this article.
