Sick Leave for Washington Employees: What You Need to Know in 2025
Ever woken up in Seattle with a cold that makes the Space Needle disappear into the clouds, or caught the flu while working in Spokane that not even the best coffee could cure? Washington has one of the nation's most comprehensive paid sick leave laws.
Key Objectives:
- Does Washington Require Paid Sick Leave?
- How Earned Sick Leave Works in Washington
- When Can Sick Leave Be Used?
- Employer of Obligations
- Local Leave Laws
- Carryover and Payout
- Interaction with Other Leave Laws
- COVID-19 and Sick Leave
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Common Misconceptions About Sick Leave
- Why Sick Leave Matters
Here's what makes Washington's approach special: Since 2018, all employers must provide paid sick leave. Whether you're working in tech in Redmond, growing apples in Yakima, or serving tourists in Olympic National Park, you earn one hour of paid sick leave for every 40 hours worked. The law ensures this time can be used for personal or family health needs.
Washington state has one of the most comprehensive paid sick leave laws in the country. Under the Washington Paid Sick Leave Law, most employees must receive paid sick leave from their employers. Additionally, Seattle, Tacoma, and other cities have local ordinances that provide expanded sick leave benefits.
Here’s everything you need to know about sick leave in Washington in 2025.
Does Washington Require Paid Sick Leave?
Yes! Under the Washington Paid Sick Leave Law, all employers must provide paid sick leave to their employees.
Employer Requirements
|
Who is Covered? |
Sick Leave Requirements |
|
All employers |
Paid sick leave (no caps on accrual) |
|
Covered employees |
1 hour of paid sick leave for every 40 hours worked |
- Employees start accruing sick leave on their first day of work.
- Unused sick leave must be carried over to the following year.
- Employers cannot cap how much sick leave an employee accrues.
How Sick Leave Works in Washington
Who Is Covered?
- All employees, including full-time, part-time, and seasonal workers, must receive paid sick leave.
- Independent contractors and some exempt workers are not covered.
Accrual and Usage
- Accrual Rate: Employees earn 1 hour of paid sick leave for every 40 hours worked.
- Start Date: Sick leave begins accruing immediately upon employment.
- Usage: Employees can start using sick leave after 90 days of employment.
- Carryover: Unused sick leave must carry over to the next year.
When Can Sick Leave Be Used?
Washington’s Paid Sick Leave Law allows employees to use their earned leave for:
- Personal Health
- Illness, injury, or preventive medical care.
- Recovery from a medical condition.
- Family Care
- Caring for a sick family member (spouse, child, parent, grandparent, sibling, etc.).
- Public Health Emergencies
- If the workplace, school, or childcare provider is closed due to a public health emergency.
- Domestic Violence, Sexual Assault, or Stalking
- Seeking medical care, counseling, relocation, or legal services.
Employer Responsibilities in Washington
Washington employers must:
- Provide Notice: Employers must inform employees of their sick leave rights.
- Track Accrual and Usage: Employers must maintain records of sick leave for at least three years.
- Prohibit Retaliation: Employers cannot fire or discipline employees for using earned sick leave.
Failure to comply may result in penalties from the Washington State Department of Labor & Industries (L&I).
Local Sick Leave Laws in Washington
Some Washington cities have stricter sick leave laws than the state law.
-
Seattle Paid Sick and Safe Time (PSST) Ordinance
- Employers with 1-49 employees: Must provide 1 hour of sick leave per 40 hours worked, with a carryover cap of 40 hours.
- Employers with 50-249 employees: Must provide 1 hour per 40 hours worked, with a carryover cap of 56 hours.
- Employers with 250+ employees: Must provide 1 hour per 30 hours worked, with a carryover cap of 72 hours.
More details: Seattle Office of Labor Standards.
-
Tacoma Paid Sick Leave Ordinance
- 1 hour of paid sick leave per 40 hours worked.
- All unused sick leave must carry over into the next year.
More details: City of Tacoma Paid Sick Leave.
Carryover and Payout of Sick Leave
|
Category |
Requirement |
|
Carryover |
Unused sick leave must carry over to the next year. |
|
Payout at Termination |
Employers are not required to pay out unused sick leave unless company policy allows it. |
Interaction with Other Washington Leave Laws
Washington has additional leave laws that complement the Paid Sick Leave Law:
- Washington Family and Medical Leave (PFML) – Provides up to 12 weeks of paid family and medical leave.
- Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) – Provides 12 weeks of unpaid, job-protected leave for eligible employees.
More details: Washington State Paid Family and Medical Leave.
COVID-19 and Sick Leave in Washington
Employees can use Washington’s paid sick leave for COVID-19-related reasons, including:
- Testing, treatment, or recovery from COVID-19.
- Quarantine or isolation due to exposure.
- Caring for a family member affected by COVID-19.
Employers cannot require employees to provide a doctor’s note for COVID-19-related absences unless the leave exceeds three consecutive days.
FAQs About Sick Leave in Washington
Q: Can an employer require a doctor’s note?
A: Employers may request documentation if an employee is absent for three or more consecutive workdays, but they cannot ask for unnecessary medical details.
Q: Can part-time and temporary employees earn sick leave?
A: Yes. All employees, including part-time and temporary workers, accrue sick leave at the same rate.
Q: What happens if my employer does not provide sick leave?
A: Employees can file a complaint with the Washington State Department of Labor & Industries. Employers who violate the law may face fines and back pay requirements.
Common Misconceptions About Sick Leave in Washington
- “Only full-time employees qualify for sick leave.”
False. All employees, including part-time and seasonal workers, accrue sick leave under Washington law.
- “Employers must pay out unused sick leave when an employee leaves.”
False. Employers are not required to pay out unused sick leave unless their policy states otherwise.
- “Employers can deny sick leave requests.”
False. If an employee has accrued sick leave, the employer must allow them to use it.
Why Sick Leave Matters
Washington’s Paid Sick Leave Law ensures that employees can take time off for health-related reasons without losing pay or risking their job. For employers, offering sick leave promotes a healthier workplace, reduces turnover, and improves employee morale.
Final Thoughts
Understanding your sick leave rights in Washington can feel like navigating Puget Sound - it helps to have clear bearings. 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 Washington'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, Washington's paid sick leave law reflects our state's commitment to worker wellbeing. Like our state motto "Alki" (By and By), we believe in progressive policies that benefit everyone.
Need specific guidance? Consider consulting with your HR department, reviewing your employee handbook, or speaking with an employment law professional who understands Washington's unique business environment.
Sick leave in Washington is a protected right for nearly all employees. Employers must comply with the Washington Paid Sick Leave Law to avoid penalties and ensure their workforce is supported.
For more information, visit:
- Washington State Department of Labor & Industries
- Seattle Paid Sick Leave Guide
- Tacoma Paid Sick Leave Guide
- U.S. Department of Labor (FMLA)
Need Help?
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