How much paid sick leave do Washington employees get in 2026?

There is no annual cap on use, which makes Washington the most generous of the six states we track on that point. Employees earn 1 hour per 40 hours worked; an employer only has to carry over 40 unused hours to the next year, but it cannot limit how many earned hours a worker actually uses in a year.

Can Washington sick leave be used for an immigration proceeding?

Yes. Since July 27, 2025, Washington employees can use paid sick leave to prepare for or participate in an immigration proceeding involving themselves or a family member.

Who counts as a family member under Washington's sick leave law?

A 2025 change (effective January 1, 2025) widened the definition, adding a child's spouse and, more broadly, any individual who lives in the employee's home or whose relationship with the employee means the employee would be expected to care for them.

Does Seattle require more sick leave than Washington state?

For larger employers, yes. Seattle's ordinance is tiered by employer size, and its largest employers accrue leave faster than the state rate and carry more of it over. An employer applies whichever rule, state or local, is more favorable to the employee.

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Washington Paid Sick Leave (2026)

Verified as of August 18, 2026

State paid-sick requirement: Yes, with no annual cap on how much earned leave an employee can use
The law: Paid Sick Leave (RCW 49.46.200 to .210)
Annual amount (state floor): No annual cap on use. An employer only has to carry over 40 unused hours from one year to the next, but it cannot limit how many earned hours a worker actually uses in a year.
How leave is earned: 1 hour per 40 hours worked.
Depends on employer size?: No.
What it can be used for: The employee's own or a family member's health; safe time; time off when a child's school or place of care is closed by a public official for a health reason or after an emergency declaration; and, since July 27, 2025, preparing for or participating in an immigration proceeding involving the employee or a family member.
Wait before first use: New hires can begin using leave on their 90th calendar day.

City and county ordinances

Seattle's ordinance is tiered by employer size, and its largest employers accrue leave faster than the state rate and carry more of it over.
SeaTac's rules apply specifically to hospitality and transportation employers, and Tacoma's local ordinance is largely aligned with the state law. An employer with staff in those cities applies whichever rule, state or local, is more favorable to the employee.

Worth knowing

A 2025 change (effective January 1, 2025) widened who counts as a family member for these purposes, adding a child's spouse and, more broadly, any individual who lives in the employee's home or whose relationship with the employee means the employee would be expected to care for them.

Frequently asked questions

How much paid sick leave do Washington employees get in 2026?: There is no annual cap on use, which makes Washington the most generous of the six states we track on that point. Employees earn 1 hour per 40 hours worked; an employer only has to carry over 40 unused hours to the next year, but it cannot limit how many earned hours a worker actually uses in a year.
Can Washington sick leave be used for an immigration proceeding?: Yes. Since July 27, 2025, Washington employees can use paid sick leave to prepare for or participate in an immigration proceeding involving themselves or a family member.
Who counts as a family member under Washington's sick leave law?: A 2025 change (effective January 1, 2025) widened the definition, adding a child's spouse and, more broadly, any individual who lives in the employee's home or whose relationship with the employee means the employee would be expected to care for them.
Does Seattle require more sick leave than Washington state?: For larger employers, yes. Seattle's ordinance is tiered by employer size, and its largest employers accrue leave faster than the state rate and carry more of it over. An employer applies whichever rule, state or local, is more favorable to the employee.

Primary sources, verified as of August 18, 2026: RCW 49.46.210 (Washington paid sick leave) · Washington L&I: Paid Sick Leave · City of Seattle Paid Sick and Safe Time

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State Law Briefing publishes legal information, not legal advice. We are not a law firm and reading this content does not create an attorney-client relationship. Consult a licensed employment attorney for guidance specific to your organization.