The standard workweek in the United States typically consists of 40 hours, spread across five 8-hour days, usually Monday through Friday. This structure is rooted in historical labor reforms and is now ingrained in U.S. labor laws through the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA).

While 40 hours is the norm, actual working hours often exceed this, especially in certain industries such as finance, technology, healthcare, and legal services. A 2023 report by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics found that the average full-time American employee works approximately 42.5 hours per week, with many professionals regularly clocking 50–60 hours during busy seasons.