Full-time employee
A full-time employee is typically required to work 38 hours per week. This definition acknowledges that some awards and agreements may specify different weekly hours. Full-time employees are entitled to ongoing employment and standard benefits like paid leave and notice of termination.
Full-time employment involves a stable, ongoing work arrangement where the employee works a standard number of hours each week (usually 38, but this can vary). These employees typically enjoy full employment benefits, including annual leave, sick leave and other entitlements. The specifics can vary depending on the industry and the applicable employment award or agreement.
Full-time hours and entitlements
The National Employment Standards limit full-time hours to 38 a week plus reasonable additional hours, and awards may let hours be averaged over a roster cycle. Full-time employees get 4 weeks of paid annual leave and 10 days of paid personal/carer's leave a year, notice of termination and, after 12 months' service, redundancy pay if their job is made redundant by an employer with 15 or more employees. For example, a full-time employee who works 38 hours a week accrues 152 hours (4 weeks) of annual leave a year.
Read our guide to employment contracts.
General information only
This content is general information about Australian employment law, current at the date it was last reviewed. It does not take your circumstances into account and is not legal advice. For advice about your situation, call Employment Compass on 1300 144 002.
Last reviewed: October 2026
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