US Vacation Days - Average Vacation Time in America
Learn about vacation days in the United States including average amounts, industry standards, tenure-based increases, and how vacation policies work across different sectors.
Average Vacation Days in the United States
The average US worker receives approximately 10-14 days of paid vacation per year for new employees, increasing to 15-20 days after a few years of service. Most employees also receive 6-8 paid holidays in addition to vacation days. Unlike many countries, there is no federal law mandating paid vacation in the US.
Vacation Days by Industry
Vacation benefits vary significantly by industry. Technology and finance sectors often offer 15-25 days, while retail and hospitality typically provide 10-15 days. Federal government employees receive standardized benefits with 13-26 days depending on tenure. Professional services and consulting often offer competitive packages.
Vacation vs. PTO
Many US employers use "PTO" (Paid Time Off) instead of separate vacation and sick days. PTO combines all paid leave into one bank. Traditional vacation-only policies are becoming less common, especially in larger companies. Some employers offer both vacation and separate sick leave.
Tenure-Based Increases
Most US employers increase vacation days with tenure. Common structures: 0-2 years: 10-15 days, 3-5 years: 15-20 days, 5-10 years: 20-25 days, 10+ years: 25-30 days. Some companies have milestones at specific years (5, 10, 15, 20) that trigger increases.
State and Local Requirements
While there's no federal mandate for vacation, some states and localities have specific requirements. These typically relate to sick leave rather than vacation, but understanding local laws helps ensure you receive appropriate benefits.