Paid annual leave and public holidays in the United States (2026)

Last reviewed: 9 October 2026

In short: Federal law sets no minimum paid vacation: the Fair Labor Standards Act does not require payment for time not worked, such as vacations or holidays. Eleven legal public holidays are set by federal law for federal employees only. State and local rules are not covered here and may differ.

RuleWhat applies
Minimum paid leave a year (weeks)Full-time employee0 weeks [1]
Minimum paid leave as the law states itFull-time employeeFederal law does not require paid vacation leave. The Fair Labor Standards Act does not require payment for time not worked, such as vacations, sick leave or federal or other holidays. [1]
National public holidays a yearFull-time employee; Federal employees (legal public holidays under 5 U.S.C. 6103)11 days [2]
Public holidays and annual leaveFull-time employee⚠ Not yet verified

Notes

  • There is no federal minimum, so the figure is zero weeks. The Department of Labor states that holiday and vacation benefits are matters of agreement between employer and employee.
  • Government contracts covered by the Service Contract Act or the Davis-Bacon Act can carry vacation or holiday requirements through their wage determinations. State and local law is not covered here and may differ.
  • Section 6103 sets these holidays for federal employees, not for private-sector employers. Inauguration Day (20 January every fourth year) is an additional holiday for certain employees in the Washington, D.C. area.
  • The Fair Labor Standards Act contains no rule on how a public holiday within a vacation is treated, so the rule depends on the employer's policy or agreement.

Sources

  1. U.S. Department of Labor: Vacation Leave (Internet Archive snapshot of 2024 of the official dol.gov page) (consulted 9 October 2026) · all sources
  2. U.S. Government Publishing Office (govinfo.gov): 5 U.S.C. 6103 - Holidays (United States Code, 2023 Edition) (consulted 9 October 2026) · all sources

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General information, not legal advice. Rules change: check the official source before you fly or ride.