Types of Workers

Author: Jed Marcus, Bressler, Amery & Ross, P.C.

Summary

• The employment relationship can be categorized in a number of different ways, each carrying its own rights and obligations. See Defining Working Relationships.
• Most employees in the US are at-will employees and may be terminated with or without cause, with or without notice. See At-Will Employees.
• Full-time employees, on average, work at least 40 hours a week. See Full-Time Employees.
• Part-time employees are typically paid on an hourly basis and have limited or no employer benefits. See Part-Time Employees.
• Temporary employees are those that only work for a certain period of time and who may work for multiple employers. See Temporary Employees.
• Independent contractors usually work for a specified period of time or on a specific project. See Independent Contractors.
• Many salespersons are paid on a commission in which their pay is based on the amount of sales they make or revenue they generate. See Commissioned Salespersons.
• The mere title of partner is not enough to determine whether the individual is an employee or employer. See Partners.
• Gig workers may be classified as an employee or independent contractor, depending on the particular arrangement. See Gig Workers.
• Interns may be paid or unpaid during a temporary work experience that focuses on a specific field or area of study. See Interns.
• Externs typically work for a shorter period of time and are unpaid. See Externs.
• Volunteers work for no wages in nonprofit, religious or humanitarian organizations. See Volunteers.
• Trainees receive training and learning opportunities without compensation. See Trainees.
• Foreign workers must have a nonimmigrant work visa to work for a US employer. See Foreign Workers.