What’s it like to work in the USA?

US workplaces will feel familiar in many ways, but the legal safety net is thinner than in the UK. Holiday, sick pay and notice depend far more on your contract, your employer and your state.

Hours and holiday

Federal law (the Fair Labor Standards Act) sets the minimum wage and overtime, but does not require paid holiday, sick pay or public holidays off, and does not limit how many hours you can be asked to work. Many salaried professionals are “exempt” from overtime: they must be paid at least $684 a week ($35,568 a year) and do mainly managerial, administrative or professional work. A 2024 rule to raise that level was struck down in court, and the old figure was restored in May 2026. Some states set a higher level. See Your rights at work.

Holiday in practice

In March 2025, private-sector workers got on average 11 days of paid vacation after 1 year, 16 after 5 years and 20 after 20 years. Ask how much holiday people in the team actually take, and negotiate extra days before you sign. It is often easier than later.

Paid sick leave by state

Sick leave usually builds up as you work, at about 1 hour for every 30 hours. For other states, check the state labour department’s website. Rules differ by state

Family leave and job security

• The Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) gives up to 12 workweeks of unpaid, job-protected leave in 12 months for certain family and medical reasons, such as a birth or a serious health condition, but only after 12 months with your employer and 1,250 hours worked, and only if the employer has 50 or more staff within 75 miles
• State laws can add more, so check your state. See Your rights at work
• Most jobs are “at will”: you or your employer can end the job at any time, for any reason that isn’t unlawful, such as discrimination. Montana is the only state that is different
• On a work visa, losing your job also affects your right to stay. See Changing jobs on a visa

Workplace style

• First names are normal, including for senior managers
• Talking about your own achievements is expected in many workplaces. British understatement can be read as a lack of confidence, so be clear about what you did
• Meetings often start positively, and criticism may be softer and more indirect than you expect
• Small talk is friendly but often avoids politics and religion at work
• Expectations about out-of-hours messages vary a lot between employers, so ask early

Federal holidays

Federal employees get 11 paid holidays. Many private employers give most of them, but not all, and it depends on your contract. The 2026 dates:

There is no Boxing Day or Easter Monday holiday, and Good Friday is not a federal holiday. See Holidays and school calendars.

The commute

Outside the biggest cities, most people drive to work. Before you choose where to live, try the journey at rush hour, and ask about hybrid working at interview. See Choosing a city.