FAQ
Employing a US worker
Get answers to your questions and take the first steps toward a global expansion
How many days of US paid holiday are American
workers entitled to?
US workers have no legal right to paid holiday. Federal law does not require private employers to give paid vacation or paid public holidays. In practice most do: private-sector workers average 11 paid vacation days after one year of service, rising to 16 after five years, according to Bureau of Labor Statistics data for March 2026. Most employers also give six to eleven paid public holidays on top.
Years of service | Average paid vacation days (US private sector) |
1 year | 11 |
5 years | 16 |
10 years | 18 |
20 years | 20 |
By comparison, UK workers are entitled to 28 days a year, which can include bank holidays, and EU law guarantees at least four weeks.
Many US employers track leave in hours rather than days. An employee with 11 vacation days and an eight-hour working day has 88 hours a year. New staff often accrue leave gradually over their first year rather than receiving it all up front.
Paid sick leave is separate, and around 20 states and some cities require it. For more detail, see our guides to paid time off in the USA, the American work calendar and 2026 US bank holidays.
Frequently Asked Questions: US Annual Leave
Do Americans get annual leave?
Not by law. No federal or state law requires paid vacation, but most US employers offer it. Private-sector workers average 11 days after one year of service and 16 after five, plus paid public holidays.
How many paid holidays do US employees get?
There are 11 federal holidays, but private employers choose which to observe. Most give six to eight, usually including New Year’s Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving and Christmas. In March 2026, 81% of private-sector workers had paid holidays.
How does US annual leave compare with the UK?
UK workers are entitled to 28 days a year, which can include bank holidays. A typical US employee with a year’s service gets about 11 vacation days plus six to eight paid holidays, so roughly 17 to 19 days in total.
Do US employers have to pay out unused vacation?
It depends on the state. California and a few other states treat earned vacation as wages that must be paid when employment ends. Many other states let the employer’s written policy decide, so check the rules where your staff work.
Do US employees get extra pay for working on a public holiday?
Federal law does not require it, and most states do not either. Many employers still pay a premium or give a day off in lieu, especially in retail, healthcare and hospitality.
Why choose to expand your business
with Foothold America?
If you’re thinking of exploring the US market, you’re going to need to hire American employees at some point. On this page, you’ll find the answers to frequently asked questions relating to employing a worker in the USA. Explore questions such as how you can employ staff overseas, why probationary periods are rarely used, and how you can make the hiring process straightforward using Foothold America solutions. If you have any other questions for us about employing a worker in the USA, please feel free to get in contact with us here.
Only the best for you and your team
At Foothold America, we offer top-notch service for you and your team. Our core services include:
Employer of Record Service (EOR)
Our Employer of Record Service offers a turn-key, cost-effective solution for your company to have a legitimate US presence with US employees anywhere in the country in as little as one week without the cost and complexity of setting up a US entity.
PEO+ Cross-Border Support™
Our full PEO+ Service goes beyond traditional PEO offerings. From tailored implementation assistance to smooth onboarding for first-time hires or transitions from other hiring models, we help you manage your US entity and people operations. This service is a great option for international businesses looking to conquer the US market with absolute peace of mind.
People Partnership Service (PPS)
We’ve created our People Partnership Service (PPS) to help you navigate the process of setting up your US entity, becoming the Employer of Record (the direct employer), onboarding US employees, and managing the complex operational and HR processes of doing business in America.
Exclusive Talent Acquisition (ETA)
Businesses around the world partner with Foothold America and save thousands of dollars on their US hiring costs. With our ETA service, you can find and hire the best employees compliantly and competitively. We make it easy and affordable for you to hire the right candidate at the right time and at the right cost.
Entity Setup
Establishing a legal entity in the US brings enormous potential for growth – and a unique set of challenges and complications. Partnering with Foothold America for your US entity setup ensures smooth and compliant incorporation in your chosen state – all whilst cutting through layers of bureaucracy and giving your company the freedom to concentrate on its larger business objectives.
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