How hard does the average American work?

The average American works around 38-40 hours weekly, roughly 1,800-2,000 hours annually, but this varies by employment status, with full-time workers averaging over 8 hours on workdays, often extending beyond 40 hours with unpaid time, commute, and weekend catch-up, and generally logging more hours than many European counterparts due to a lack of mandated paid time off, making them feel overworked despite official figures, according to Preply, the BLS, and Investopedia https://preply.com/en/blog/americans-describe-typical-workday/, https://www.bls.gov/charts/american-time-use/emp-by-ftpt-job-edu-h.htm,.

How much does the average American actually work?

The average American works around 34-39 hours per week, with full-time employees averaging closer to 40-43 hours, though this varies significantly by age, gender, and industry; younger workers and women tend to work fewer hours, while those in goods-producing or specialized fields might work more. Recent data shows a slight downward trend in hours, with full-time roles averaging about 42.9 hours weekly (down from 44.1 in 2019) and the overall private sector around 34.2 hours. 

Does the average American work a 9'5"?

Dolly Parton's "9 to 5" may be an anthem from the 1980s, but for most American workers today, that schedule is a relic of the past. Nearly 60% of the U.S. workforce—over 80 million people—are paid hourly, working shifts that keep our economy running well beyond the traditional 9-to-5.

How many Americans work 60 hours a week?

40% of full-time employees work more than 50 hours each week. Worse, 18% work 60 hours or more each week.

How much free time does the average American have?

On average, Americans have about 5 hours of free/leisure time per day, though this varies by gender, age, and lifestyle, with men generally having more than women, and older adults often having more than younger working-age adults. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) American Time Use Survey (ATUS) 2024 data shows leisure and sports activities took up around 5.15 hours, while watching TV, socializing, and relaxing were key parts of this, though many find this time insufficient due to commutes, chores, and work stress, notes Business Insider, RAND Corp., and CDC. 

How Much Money Do Americans Need To Be Comfortable?

What is the 9 80 rule?

A 9/80 schedule is a flexible work arrangement that allows employees to work four days a week every other week. To maintain a total of 80 hours for each two-week period, they work nine hours per day on most days rather than eight.

How long does Gen Z stay at a job?

Gen Z workers tend to stay at jobs for shorter periods, averaging around 1.1 to 2.3 years in their early careers, significantly less than older generations, driven by a desire for rapid growth, skill development, better alignment with values, and a perception that loyalty isn't always reciprocated by employers, though they are often moving for better opportunities, not just pay, as recent data shows pay gaps for job-hoppers are shrinking. 

What is the 9 9 6 rule?

The 9-9-6 rule is a demanding work schedule: 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., six days a week, totaling 72 hours, originating in China's tech industry as a grueling push for productivity, leading to burnout and health issues, and sparking debate when figures like Infosys founder Narayana Murthy endorsed it for national growth, despite it being officially illegal in China since 2021.
 

What percent of Americans make $30 an hour?

The chart, shown above, shows that 19% of workers make less than $12.50 per hour, 32% of workers make between $12.50 and $20 per hour, 30% make between $20 and $30 an hour, 14% make between $30 and $45 per hour, and 5% make over $45 an hour.

What is the #1 happiest profession?

10 of the Happiest and Most Satisfying Jobs

1. 1 | Real Estate Sales Agents. ...
2. 2 | Construction Managers. ...
3. 3 | Kindergarten and Elementary School Teachers. ...
4. 4 | Software Developers. ...
5. 5 | Fitness Trainers and Instructors. ...
6. 6 | Firefighters. ...
7. 7 | Clergy. ...
8. 8 | Physicians and Surgeons.

Why are Gen Z men not working?

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics' Current Population Survey, young men in their early to mid-20s were most likely to cite education as their reason for not looking for work. And Gen Z, more than previous generations, tends to treat school like a full-time job.

What is the most overworked country?

Bhutan is frequently cited as the most overworked country, with workers averaging over 54 hours weekly, followed by countries like India, Bangladesh, and Pakistan, but definitions vary, with some sources highlighting Singapore for high stress/burnout or Mexico for long annual hours relative to pay, making it complex to name just one. Different studies focus on weekly hours, annual hours, or burnout rates, leading to varied results. 

What is the 3 3 3 rule for working?

The 3-3-3 Method is as follows: Spend 3 hours on your most important thing. Complete 3 shorter tasks you've been avoiding. Work on 3 maintenance activities to keep life in order.

What is normal PTO per year?

A normal amount of paid time off (PTO) in the U.S. for a new private-sector employee is about 10-11 days (2 weeks) per year, increasing with tenure to around 15 days (3 weeks) after 5 years, and potentially up to 20 days (4 weeks) after 20 years, though this varies significantly by industry, company size, and location, with government roles often offering more.
 

Do Chinese work 40 hours a week?

In common with many other parts of the world, the Chinese working week runs from Monday to Friday and is a 40-hour week. Overtime is expected as part of your job, and you won't always be paid for this if you're working for a local company.

Does Chick-fil-A pay $20 an hour?

Average Chick-fil-A Restaurants hourly pay ranges from approximately $20.21 per hour for Kitchen Team Member to $28.46 per hour for Kitchen Manager. Salary estimated from 11 past and present job postings on Indeed.

Is $15 an hour poor?

As of 2025, fifteen states and Washington DC have set minimum hourly wages higher than $15. However, due to inflation and rising costs of living, $15/hour is no longer a livable wage in any part of the nation.

What is a top 2% salary in the US?

To be in the top 2% of income earners in the U.S., you generally need an income well into the high six figures, with thresholds around $400,000 to over $438,000 depending on the year and data source, often placing you in the top 1-2%, while household income thresholds can be similar or higher, with some sources pointing towards $400k+ to enter the top tiers. 

What is the 42% rule for burnout?

42% – that's the percentage of time your body and brain need you to spend resting. It's about 10 hours out of every 24. By prioritising rest, we can improve our ability to cope with stress, reduce the risk of burnout, and enhance our overall well-being.

What is the healthiest shift to work?

The healthiest shift aligns with your natural circadian rhythm, with a standard daytime 9 AM start often ideal for most, minimizing fatigue and health risks associated with night/early shifts, but the best schedule varies by age, with teens favoring later starts and adults over 40 potentially benefiting from shorter weeks, while rotational shifts should move forward (day to night) and limit night blocks. Consistent day shifts (e.g., 9 AM start) are generally best for overall health, but specific needs, age, and forward-rotating schedules (day-afternoon-night) with rest days are crucial for managing shift work.
 

Is 996 illegal?

Yes, the "996" work schedule (9 a.m. to 9 p.m., 6 days a week) was officially ruled illegal in China by the Supreme People's Court in 2021, violating labor laws, though it still persists in some tech companies despite the ban, and similar extreme hours are appearing in US tech firms. In the US, the legality depends on the state and employee classification; while federal law (FLSA) allows high-salaried exempt employees to work long hours, stricter state laws (like California's) might apply, making the practice legally complex and potentially violating overtime rules if not structured correctly. 

What job pays $400,000 a year without a degree?

Jobs that can pay $400K a year without a degree include commercial real estate brokers, successful YouTubers or influencers, self-employed software developers, high-stakes sales roles like enterprise tech sales, and business owners. These roles rely on skill, market demand, and performance rather than formal education.

Which generation quits the most?

Bloomberg — The Great Resignation has seen workers of all stripes leave their jobs. But millennials are proving particularly flighty. About two-thirds of bosses say that generation of workers has the highest churn rate in their companies, according to a survey of 72 executives whose firms employ about 400,000 staff.

What is the biggest red flag at work?

25 Common red flags of an unhealthy work environment

• High turnover. If your team feels like a revolving door, you've got a problem. ...
• Lack of recognition. Employees who never get credit for their hard work quickly disengage. ...
• Bullying. ...
• Lack of work-life balance. ...
• Poor communication. ...
• Micromanagement. ...
• Gossip. ...
• No trust.