How Much Do I Get Paid for Working on a Holiday?

One of the questions I'm frequently asked is whether employees get paid extra for working on a holiday. Your particular job will have a direct influence on whether you can expect to be paid a different holiday rate.

How Much You Get Paid for Working on a Holiday

In general, if you are a salaried worker, you would not receive extra pay for working overtime, or on a holiday. Employees in retail and hospitality positions often do not receive a special holiday rate, as holiday and weekend shifts are part of their normal business hours.
Some employers provide holiday days off or pay for working on a holiday, however, there are no federal or state laws that require companies to compensate you for time not worked or pay you extra (over and above your normal hourly rate) for working on a holiday unless you have a contract that stipulates holiday pay.
Private companies have considerable leeway in the benefits they provide, and may offer financial incentives to workers who will choose to work on holidays. Independent contractors and freelance workers have the ability to negotiate their own benefits, and can stipulate special rates for work done on holidays with the firms who employ their services.