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10 min czytania 26 April 2025

Part-time job – how many hours, what salary?

Part-time employment offers greater flexibility and a slightly lighter workload than full-time employment. However, it raises many questions. How many hours per month are part-time jobs? How much vacation time are part-time employees entitled to? Do they have the same rights as full-time employees?

Part-time job

TABLE OF CONTENTS

What is part-time work? How many hours does it involve?

Part-time work is a form of part-time employment in which the employee performs their duties for half the standard working hours of full-time employment. According to the Labor Code, full-time work typically involves 40 hours per week (8 hours per day, 5 days per week). This means that half-time work means approximately 20 hours per week – or 4 hours per day.

It’s worth remembering that part-time work can be individually agreed upon in the contract – for example, as 1/2, 3/4, or 1/3 full-time – and the salary and employee benefits are proportional to the employment duration. Part-time work offers more flexibility and can be a good solution for those who cannot or do not want to work full-time.

It’s good to know that the Labor Code clearly defines what constitutes part-time work. Depending on the contract, an employee may be employed on:

  • ¼ full-time position, which corresponds to 10 hours of work per week
  • ½ full-time position, which corresponds to 20 hours of work per week
  • ¾ full-time position, which corresponds to 30 hours of work per week

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Part time job

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Part-time Salary

Part-time salary is determined in proportion to the number of hours worked. If someone works part-time, their salary is half the minimum wage for full-time employment. In 2025, the national minimum wage is PLN 4,666 gross, meaning that part-time employment is PLN 2,333 gross per month (assuming exactly half of full-time employment).

However, it’s worth remembering that the final salary may be higher if the employer offers higher hourly rates or the employee performs additional tasks. Such remuneration is also subject to social security contributions and taxation, and part-time employees are entitled to vacation time and other benefits proportional to their full-time employment.

Part-time Leave – How Much is It Entitled?

Part-time employees are entitled to vacation leave in proportion to their working hours. According to the Labor Code, the full amount of vacation leave is:

  • 20 days – for employees with less than 10 years of service
  • 26 days – for employees with at least 10 years of service

For part-time employees, vacation leave is calculated proportionally:

  • 10 days (20 days x 0.5) – for less than 10 years of service
  • 13 days (26 days x 0.5) – for at least 10 years of service

If an employee does not complete a full calendar year, for example, starts work during the year or changes their full-time position, vacation leave accrues proportionally to the period worked. The calculation is based on rounding partial vacation days up to the next full day.​

Leave is granted on working days in accordance with the employee’s applicable work schedule. In the case of part-time work, one day of leave corresponds to the employee’s daily working time on that particular day.

Part-time work and overtime

Employees working part-time are entitled to overtime pay; however, the rules for calculating it differ from those applicable to full-time employees. According to the provisions of the Labor Code, overtime occurs when an employee exceeds:

  • 8 hours of work per day,
  • 40 hours of work per week.

For employees working part-time, who usually work 20 hours per week, overtime may occur when they work more than 20 hours in a week or more than 4 hours in a single day. In such cases, they are entitled to overtime pay.

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Part-time job

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Part-time work and retirement — what you need to know

Working part-time does not negatively affect your future retirement. In Poland, employees hired on a part-time basis are treated the same as full-time employees in terms of retirement rights. This means that both their employment period and the calculation of retirement benefits follow the same rules.

Employment period and pension contributions — When working part-time, the employer pays social security contributions, including pension contributions, proportionally to the employee’s salary. According to the law, periods of part-time employment count as full employment periods. This means that if someone worked part-time for 10 years, the Social Insurance Institution (ZUS) recognizes it as a full 10 years of contributory service.

Amount of retirement benefits — Although the length of service is calculated in full, the amount of future retirement benefits depends on the level of contributions paid. Since part-time work usually means lower earnings, this results in lower pension contributions and therefore a lower retirement base. As a result, part-time employees may receive lower retirement benefits compared to those employed full-time.

Retirement age — Working part-time does not affect the age at which you can retire. The statutory retirement age is set independently of working hours. However, to receive full retirement benefits, it is necessary to accumulate the required number of contributory years. This means that in some cases, part-time employees may need to work longer to meet the required contribution period.

Who is part-time work for?

Part-time work is an excellent option for many people who seek flexibility in their employment but don’t want to give up their professional activities. This allows employees to adjust their working hours to their individual needs, which is especially important at different stages of their professional lives.

Part-time work is a great option for students who want to gain professional experience but also have a flexible schedule that allows them to combine study and work. This type of employment allows them to acquire practical skills in various industries, such as customer service, sales, marketing, or food service.

Parents, especially those caring for young children, can also benefit from this form of employment. Part-time work for parents allows for a better balance of work and family responsibilities, while providing financial stability without the need to be separated from their children for extended periods.

Retirees can also benefit from part-time work if they want to supplement their retirement income. This type of employment is often available in various industries and allows them to actively participate in the labor market without excessive burden. Working for retirees is also a way to maintain professional activity and social involvement, which positively impacts well-being and quality of life.

What should a part-time contract look like?

A part-time contract should comply with the Labor Code and contain details that clearly define the terms of employment. Although a part-time contract is a civil law contract, it is no different from a full-time contract in terms of the rules and requirements for contracts. What should a part-time contract include?

  • Working Hours – The contract must specify that the employment is for part-time work (20 hours per week).
  • Remuneration – The remuneration amount should be proportional to the working hours, e.g., half the salary of a full-time employee.
  • Scope of Duties – Define the employee’s position and responsibilities.
  • Contract Duration – The contract should indicate whether it is a fixed-term, indefinite-term, or temporary contract.
  • Employee Benefits – The employee is entitled to the same benefits as a full-time employee, including vacation time.
  • Signatures of Parties – The contract must be signed by both the employee and the employer.

What are the benefits of part-time work?

Part-time work offers several benefits, such as flexible working hours, which allows for better work-life balance. It allows for increased income while reducing the time commitment. It’s also a good option for students and parents who need more time for studying or childcare. Additionally, it allows for gaining work experience and accessing employee benefits (e.g., vacation time and health insurance).

How to Find a Part-Time Job?

To find a part-time job, start by searching online job boards. It’s also worth using the services of employment agencies, which often offer flexible employment opportunities, including part-time positions in various industries. Employment agencies can help you find the right offer, taking into account your working hours, location, and job responsibilities. Looking for a job? Contact us!

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