Holiday Pay Guide - Understanding Your Entitlements
Complete guide to holiday pay, including paid holidays, premium pay for holiday work, and how holiday pay works in different employment situations.
What is Holiday Pay?
Holiday pay is compensation for recognized holidays. This can mean: paid time off on holidays, extra pay for working holidays, or holiday bonuses. What you receive depends on your employer and location.
US Holiday Pay Laws
There's no federal law requiring private employers to provide paid holidays or premium pay for holiday work. Paid holidays are a benefit, not a right, for most US workers.
Common Holiday Pay Practices
Paid day off: Most common; receive regular pay for the holiday. Premium pay: Time-and-a-half or double-time for working on holidays. Holiday bonus: Additional payment around major holidays.
If You Work on a Holiday
Many employers offer premium pay (1.5x-2x) for holiday work, though it's not legally required. Some offer a substitute day off instead. Check your policy or union contract.