Labor Day 2026
Do you get the day off?
Federal offices & banksClosed under 5 U.S.C. §6103, including the postal service and markets
State governmentsMost states close that day; a state list can add dates that are not federal
Private employersFederal law does not require time off or holiday pay — company policy or contract
- The date, and why
- US Labor Day 2026 falls on Monday, September 7 — the first Monday of September. This creates a 3-day long weekend (September 5 through September 7).
- What kind of holiday
- Labor Day is a federal public holiday under 5 U.S.C. §6103. The federal list is not the same as a state's list, and federal law does not require private employers to provide paid time off.
- Where it counts as statutory
- Federal offices (including post offices), banks, and the stock market close. Most state governments also close. Private-sector time off is employer policy or contract — not a federal mandate.
- Long weekend
- September 2026 calendar: Sat Sep 5 – Sun Sep 6 – Mon Sep 7 (Labor Day). Many Americans use the long weekend for end-of-summer travel and back-to-school. Retail often stays open — unlike federal offices.
- What closes
- Federal offices, banks, post offices, and most schools close. Many retail stores remain open with sales events. Public transit typically operates on a Sunday/holiday schedule.
- Where the name comes from
- Labor Day was first celebrated on September 5, 1882, when workers marched in New York City. It became a federal holiday in 1894. The day recognizes the economic and social achievements of American workers.
Frequently Asked Questions
- When is Labor Day 2026 in the US?
- Labor Day 2026 is Monday, September 7 — the first Monday of September. Long weekend September 5–September 7.
- Is Labor Day a federal holiday or a state holiday?
- Labor Day is a federal holiday under 5 U.S.C. §6103. Federal offices, the postal service, banks, and the stock market close. Most states also close government offices that day, but state holiday lists can add extra dates that are not federal.
- Does my employer have to give me Labor Day off?
- No. Federal law does not require private employers to give the day off or pay holiday premium. Time off depends on company policy, a union contract, or your offer letter. Banks and federal offices still close.
- Are 劳动节 and 劳工节 the same as Labor Day?
- In Chinese, both 劳动节 and 劳工节 are used for the US September holiday (Labor Day). It is not the same as China's May 1 Labour Day (劳动节).