Final answer:
The maximum hours per week including normal working hours can vary, but generally in the U.S., overtime is considered beyond a 40-hour workweek. The average for full-time workers was 42.5 hours per week in 2013. Workers in the U.S. tend to work more hours annually compared to several European countries.
Step-by-step explanation:
Overtime and Working Hours in the United States
Regarding the question of the maximum hours per week, which includes normal working hours, there is variation depending on specific state laws and company policies. However, generally, overtime is considered the hours worked over the standard full-time work week. Based on information from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average working hours in the United States for full-time workers was 42.5 hours per week in 2013. A significant portion of workers spend between 35 to 48 hours per week on the job, although some work 60 hours and over. The concept of what constitutes overtime may differ, but traditionally overtime pay begins after 40 hours of work per week in the U.S.
International comparison shows that Americans tend to work more hours annually compared to workers in countries like Germany and France. For perspective, someone working a 40-hour week for 50 weeks a year works 2,000 hours annually. The Organization for Economic Co-Operation and Development (OECD) provides data on average annual hours worked per worker, which can give insights into work habits across different nations.