Sick Leave for Pennsylvania Employees: What You Need to Know in 2025
Ever woken up in Philadelphia with a fever that makes the Liberty Bell look wavy, or caught a cold while working in Pittsburgh that not even the best cheesesteak could cure? Whether you're working in tech in State College, manufacturing in Erie, or serving tourists in the Poconos, understanding Pennsylvania's sick leave approach matters.
Here's what makes Pennsylvania's approach unique: While the state doesn't mandate paid sick leave statewide, Pittsburgh and Philadelphia have their own sick leave ordinances for employers within city limits. Like a patchwork quilt from Lancaster County, your sick leave rights depend on your location.
Pennsylvania does not have a statewide law requiring private-sector employers to provide paid or unpaid sick leave. However, local sick leave laws exist in cities such as Philadelphia and Pittsburgh, and many employers voluntarily offer sick leave. Public-sector employees and workers covered by federal protections may also have access to sick leave benefits.
No. Pennsylvania does not have a statewide law mandating sick leave for private-sector workers. Employers are not required to offer paid or unpaid sick leave unless:
Public-sector employees, including state workers, often have access to structured sick leave policies under state employment regulations.
While no statewide mandate exists, some Pennsylvania cities require employers to provide sick leave:
Philadelphia’s Promoting Healthy Families and Workplaces Act requires paid sick leave for employees who work at least 40 hours per year in the city.
For more details, visit the Philadelphia Department of Labor.
Pittsburgh’s sick leave law requires all employers to provide earned sick time to employees who work within Pittsburgh city limits.
For more details, visit the City of Pittsburgh website.
Employees in Pennsylvania may qualify for unpaid, job-protected leave under the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA).
FMLA Overview
FMLA covers leave for:
For more information, visit the U.S. Department of Labor.
Although not legally required, many Pennsylvania employers voluntarily offer sick leave or Paid Time Off (PTO). Common practices include:
Employees should check their employer’s handbook for details on sick leave accrual, usage, and carryover rules.
The specific uses of sick leave depend on the employer’s policy, but common uses include:
Covered family members may include:
Public-sector employees in Pennsylvania typically have structured sick leave benefits, including:
State employees should consult the Pennsylvania Office of Administration or their agency’s HR policies for details.
Federal COVID-19-specific leave mandates, such as those under the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA), have expired. However, employees in Philadelphia and Pittsburgh can still use local sick leave benefits for:
Some employers may continue offering flexible sick leave policies for COVID-19-related absences.
Even though Pennsylvania does not mandate sick leave, employers can benefit from offering it. Providing sick leave can:
Employers should document sick leave policies in their employee handbooks and ensure compliance with local laws and federal FMLA requirements.
Q: Can an employer require a doctor’s note?
A: Yes. Pennsylvania employers can request documentation, such as a doctor’s note, for extended absences (typically after three consecutive days of sick leave).
Q: Are part-time or temporary employees eligible for sick leave?
A: It depends on the employer’s policy. Pennsylvania law does not require sick leave for part-time or temporary workers, but local laws in Philadelphia and Pittsburgh cover them.
Q: What happens to unused sick leave?
A: Employers are not required to allow sick leave to carry over unless they are in Philadelphia or Pittsburgh, where carryover rules apply.
False. Pennsylvania does not have a statewide sick leave mandate for private-sector employees.
False. Employers are not required to pay out unused sick leave unless their company policy states otherwise.
False. If an employee works in Philadelphia or Pittsburgh and has accrued sick leave, the employer must allow them to use it.
Understanding your sick leave rights in Pennsylvania can feel like navigating downtown Pittsburgh - it varies by neighborhood. Whether you're an employee trying to understand your benefits or an employer looking to create supportive policies, staying informed is crucial.
If you're a business looking to navigate Pennsylvania's employment landscape while expanding your workforce, consider partnering with an Employer of Record (EOR) service. They can help manage your HR compliance, payroll, and benefits administration while you focus on growing your business. Learn more about EOR services and how they can simplify your employment needs at TCW Global's EOR solutions.
Remember, while Pennsylvania may not mandate statewide paid sick leave, creating supportive time-off policies isn't just good for employees - it's good for business. Like our state's industrial heritage, investing in your workforce builds a strong foundation for growth.
Need specific guidance? Consider consulting with your HR department, reviewing your employee handbook, or speaking with an employment law professional who understands Pennsylvania's unique business environment.
While Pennsylvania does not mandate statewide sick leave, Philadelphia and Pittsburgh have local ordinances requiring paid sick leave. Employers and employees should understand their rights and responsibilities under these laws.
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