Paid Sick Leave Laws State-by-State (2025 Update)
Paid sick time has become an important workplace benefit across the United States. While there is no federal law requiring all employers to provide it, many states (and Washington, D.C.) now have their own paid sick leave laws. These laws outline how employees earn time off, how much can be used, and which employers must comply.
This guide provides a state-by-state breakdown of paid sick leave laws as of 2025. If you want to know exactly what you are entitled to, this overview will help you identify how the rules work where you live and what has recently changed. Always check with your local labor department as laws change and evolve.
Table of Contents
States with Paid Sick Leave Laws (2025)
Alaska
Starting July 1, 2025, most workers in Alaska will begin earning paid sick leave under Ballot Measure 1. Employees generally earn 1 hour for every 30 worked, with annual caps depending on employer size.
Arizona
Arizona workers earn 1 hour of sick time for every 30 hours worked. Employers with fewer than 15 employees must provide up to 24 hours per year, while larger employers must provide up to 40 hours.
California
Employees earn at least 1 hour for every 30 hours worked. As of 2024, employers must allow at least 40 hours or 5 days of sick leave each year.
Colorado
Workers earn 1 hour for every 30 hours, with a minimum of 48 hours per year. Sick leave can be used for personal or family health needs.
Connecticut
Connecticut’s law phases in through 2025. Most employees earn 1 hour per 30 hours worked, and can begin using leave after 120 days. Amounts available depend on employer size.
Illinois
The Paid Leave for All Workers Act (effective January 2024) gives employees 1 hour for every 40 hours worked, up to 40 hours per year. It can be used for any reason, not just illness.
Maine
Workers in Maine earn 1 hour for every 40 hours, up to 40 hours per year. Like Illinois, leave may be used for any reason.
Maryland
Most employees earn 1 hour per 30 hours worked. Employers with 15 or more employees must provide paid leave, while smaller ones may provide unpaid leave.
Massachusetts
Employees earn 1 hour for every 30 hours worked, with up to 40 hours available each year. Leave can be used for personal or family health needs.
Michigan
Michigan law requires certain employers to provide paid medical leave. Employees generally earn 1 hour for every 35 hours worked, up to 40 hours per year. Rules changed in February 2025, so check the latest state guidance.
Minnesota
As of January 2024, workers earn 1 hour per 30 hours worked, with at least 48 hours available each year.
Nevada
Employers with 50 or more employees must provide paid leave, which can be used for any reason. Employees generally earn 0.01923 hours for each hour worked (about 40 hours per year).
New Jersey
Employees earn 1 hour for every 30 hours worked, up to 40 hours per year. The leave can be used for personal or family illness, school events, or domestic violence situations.
New Mexico
Most workers earn 1 hour of sick leave for every 30 hours worked, with up to 64 hours available per year.
New York
Employees earn 1 hour for every 30 hours worked. Employers with fewer than 5 workers must provide 40 hours (unpaid for the smallest employers), while those with 100+ employees must provide 56 paid hours.
Oregon
Most employees earn 1 hour for every 30 hours worked, up to 40 hours each year. Paid or unpaid status depends on employer size.
Rhode Island
Employees earn 1 hour for every 35 hours worked, up to 40 hours per year. Some small businesses may provide unpaid leave.
Vermont
Employees earn 1 hour of sick time for every 52 hours worked, up to 40 hours per year.
Washington
Employees earn 1 hour for every 40 hours worked, with no annual cap on accrual (though employers may cap carryover). Rules expanded in 2025 to clarify family coverage.
Washington, D.C.
Accrual depends on employer size:
- 1–24 employees: 1 hour per 87 hours worked (3 days/year)
- 25–99 employees: 1 hour per 43 hours worked (5 days/year)
- 100+ employees: 1 hour per 37 hours worked (7 days/year)
Nebraska
Effective October 1, 2025, most employees will earn 1 hour of sick time for every 30 hours worked. Employers with fewer than 20 employees must provide up to 40 hours per year, while larger employers must provide up to 56 hours.
Key Takeaways
- Accrual method: Most states use 1 hour of leave for every 30–40 hours worked.
- Annual limits: Common caps are 40 hours per year, but some states allow more.
- Covered reasons: Paid sick leave laws often cover personal illness, caring for family, domestic violence situations, or school closures.
- Employer size matters: Smaller businesses may have different obligations, and in some states they only need to provide unpaid leave under paid sick leave laws.
- Check your state’s website: The links above take you directly to the official state resources where you’ll find the most up-to-date paid sick leave laws.
Final Thoughts
Understanding paid sick leave laws helps you protect your rights at work and plan for unexpected health needs. With more states adopting these protections in 2025, employees nationwide are gaining greater access to time off when they or their loved ones are sick.
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Disclaimer: This article is intended for informational purposes only. It provides general information and is not intended and should not be construed as professional advice. The author is not your attorney, accountant, financial planner or any other professional and no professional-client relationship is created. We do not represent that the information provided is accurate or up-to-date as laws and regulations are always changing. If you have an issue that requires professional help, you should contact the appropriate professional to help you on your on your specific set of facts. Please read the Terms and Conditions for additional information.
Article: Paid Sick Leave Laws. Check out our HR compliance site: www.NEHumanCapital.com.
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