What Is Average Vacation Time in the US?

By Robert Palmer

Are you planning a vacation to the United States but not sure how much time you can take off work? Or are you an employer wondering how much vacation time to offer your employees? Either way, it’s important to understand the average vacation time in the US.

What is considered vacation time in the US?

In the United States, vacation time refers to paid time off from work given by employers to their employees. This can be used for any reason, including vacations, personal days, or sick leave.

How much vacation time do US employers typically offer?

According to a study by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average paid vacation days offered by US employers after one year of service is 10 days for private industry workers and 15 days for state and local government workers. This increases with years of service, with an average of 20 days for private industry workers and 28 days for state and local government workers after 20 years of service.

Employers may also offer additional benefits such as:

  • Sick leave
  • Personal days
  • Holidays
  • Bereavement leave

Do all US employers offer paid vacation time?

No, there is no federal law that requires employers to offer paid vacation time. It is up to each employer to decide if they want to offer this benefit. However, according to a survey by the Society for Human Resource Management, 97% of organizations in the United States do offer some form of paid vacation or paid time off.

Conclusion

In summary, the average vacation time in the US varies depending on whether you work in private industry or state and local government. Private industry workers typically receive 10-20 days after one year of service while state and local government workers receive 15-28 days after one year of service. It’s important to note that not all employers offer paid vacation time, but the majority do.