What is the average PTO accrual rate in the US?

The average US private-sector worker earns about 10 PTO days (80 hours) after 1 year of service, 15 days (120 hours) after 5 years, and 20 days (160 hours) after 15 years. On a biweekly schedule, that translates to 3.08-6.15 hours per paycheck.

How much PTO do most employees earn per pay period?

On biweekly pay, most employees earn between 3.08 hours (80 hrs/year) and 6.15 hours (160 hrs/year) per paycheck depending on tenure. New employees typically start at the lower end and increase with years of service.

What industries offer the most PTO?

Technology and finance companies offer the most PTO, often starting at 15-20 days for new hires. Government employees receive 13-26 days depending on tenure. Retail and food service tend to offer the least, starting at 5-10 days.

Is 10 days of PTO considered good?

10 days (80 hours) is the US average for employees with 1 year of service. It is considered standard for entry-level positions. Above-average employers offer 15+ days in year one.

Do part-time employees get the same accrual rate?

Usually no. Most employers prorate PTO for part-time workers based on hours worked. A common approach: if full-time earns 120 hrs/year, a half-time employee earns 60 hrs/year.

Average PTO Accrual Rate in the US (2026 Data)

"How much PTO is normal?" is one of the most common questions employees ask when evaluating a job offer or checking whether their current benefits are competitive. The answer depends on your tenure, industry, and employer size.

This guide breaks down actual PTO accrual rates using Bureau of Labor Statistics data. If you want to calculate your personal accrual, use our PTO accrual calculator.

What is PTO accrual?

PTO accrual is the rate at which you earn paid time off over time. Each paycheck adds a few hours to your balance until you reach your annual total. The "accrual rate" is how many hours you earn per pay period.

Example: 120 hours per year on biweekly pay = 120 ÷ 26 = 4.62 hours per paycheck.

Average PTO accrual rates by years of service

BLS National Compensation Survey data for US private-sector workers:

Years at Company	Annual PTO	Biweekly Rate	Monthly Rate
Less than 1 year	8 days (64 hrs)	2.46 hrs	5.33 hrs
1 year	10 days (80 hrs)	3.08 hrs	6.67 hrs
3 years	12 days (96 hrs)	3.69 hrs	8.00 hrs
5 years	15 days (120 hrs)	4.62 hrs	10.00 hrs
10 years	17 days (136 hrs)	5.23 hrs	11.33 hrs
15 years	20 days (160 hrs)	6.15 hrs	13.33 hrs
20+ years	25 days (200 hrs)	7.69 hrs	16.67 hrs

PTO accrual by industry

Industry	Year 1	Year 5
Technology	15-20 days	20-25 days
Finance	12-15 days	18-22 days
Healthcare	10-15 days	15-20 days
Government	13 days	20 days
Retail	5-10 days	10-15 days

PTO accrual examples

Entry level: 80 hours/year, biweekly pay

You earn 3.08 hours per paycheck. After 6 months (13 paychecks): 40 hours = 5 days available.

Mid-career: 120 hours/year, biweekly pay

You earn 4.62 hours per paycheck. After 6 months: 60 hours = 7.5 days available.

Senior: 160 hours/year, biweekly pay

You earn 6.15 hours per paycheck. After 6 months: 80 hours = 10 days available.

How employers calculate PTO

Per pay period: Annual PTO ÷ pay periods. Most common for salaried.
Per hour worked: 1 PTO hour per 30 hours worked. Common for hourly.
Lump sum: Full annual amount on day one.

Use our PTO calculator to see your per-period rate based on annual allowance.

Is your PTO competitive?

Below average: less than 10 days in years 1-5
Average: 10-15 days in years 1-5
Above average: 15-20 days in year 1
Excellent: 20+ days or unlimited PTO

Frequently asked questions

What is the average PTO accrual rate in the US?: The average US private-sector worker earns about 10 PTO days (80 hours) after 1 year of service, 15 days (120 hours) after 5 years, and 20 days (160 hours) after 15 years. On a biweekly schedule, that translates to 3.08-6.15 hours per paycheck.
How much PTO do most employees earn per pay period?: On biweekly pay, most employees earn between 3.08 hours (80 hrs/year) and 6.15 hours (160 hrs/year) per paycheck depending on tenure. New employees typically start at the lower end and increase with years of service.
What industries offer the most PTO?: Technology and finance companies offer the most PTO, often starting at 15-20 days for new hires. Government employees receive 13-26 days depending on tenure. Retail and food service tend to offer the least, starting at 5-10 days.
Is 10 days of PTO considered good?: 10 days (80 hours) is the US average for employees with 1 year of service. It is considered standard for entry-level positions. Above-average employers offer 15+ days in year one.
Do part-time employees get the same accrual rate?: Usually no. Most employers prorate PTO for part-time workers based on hours worked. A common approach: if full-time earns 120 hrs/year, a half-time employee earns 60 hrs/year.

Average PTO Accrual Rate in the US: How Much PTO Do Employees Earn?