do we get paid for mlk day

Whether you get paid for MLK Day depends entirely on your employer's policies, as there is no federal requirement for private companies to provide paid time off for this holiday. While Martin Luther King Jr. Day is a federal holiday recognized nationally, most private sector workers find themselves at work on this day without special compensation.

Who Actually Gets Paid for MLK Day?

Federal employees, many state and local government workers, and employees at banks and financial institutions typically receive paid time off for MLK Day. However, the vast majority of private companies treat it as a regular working day with no additional pay or time off.

Some employers may include MLK Day as one of their paid holidays, but this varies significantly by company. According to discussions on workplace forums, many organizations only offer 6-7 paid holidays per year, and MLK Day often doesn't make the cut. Workers in retail, healthcare, hospitality, and service industries are particularly likely to work on this day without holiday pay.

The Payment Situation

If you're scheduled to work on MLK Day:

• Regular pay is the standard for most private sector employees - you'll receive your normal hourly rate or salary with no premium

• Holiday pay (time-and-a-half or double time) is only provided if your specific employer includes it in their benefits package or union contract
• No guaranteed compensation exists under federal labor law for working on this holiday

Some employees report their companies send inspirational emails about MLK's legacy and encourage volunteering "on their free time" while still requiring them to work regular hours.

Recent Context

This year's MLK Day (January 19, 2026) has garnered attention due to the Trump administration's decision to remove it from the National Park Service's fee- free entrance days, replacing it with Flag Day (which coincides with President Trump's birthday). California Governor Gavin Newsom responded by offering free entry to over 200 California state parks on MLK Day as an alternative.

TLDR: You get paid for MLK Day only if your employer specifically offers it as a paid holiday. Most private sector workers either work without special pay or use personal time off if they want the day off. Check your employee handbook or ask HR about your company's specific holiday policy. Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.