Paid Sick Leave Calculator
Federal min wage $7.25; CA $16.50 (2026), NY $16.50/$17.50, WA $17.13.
52 if employed all year.
22 states + DC mandate paid sick leave.
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How to use
- 1 Enter your hourly wage (use weekly salary ÷ weekly hours, or annual salary ÷ 2,080).
- 2 Enter typical weekly hours (40 for FT, 20 for PT, etc.) and weeks worked in calendar year.
- 3 Select your state — 22 states + DC have paid sick leave mandates. Federal has NO mandate.
- 4 Choose accrual method: ACCRUAL (1 hr per 30 worked, capped at state minimum) or FRONTLOAD (employer gives full annual amount Jan 1).
- 5 Click Calculate to see accrued hours, days, dollar value, and state-specific cap. Compare to your employer policy — they may give MORE but cannot give less if mandated.
About Paid Sick Leave Calculator
FAQ
Q Does federal law require paid sick leave in 2026?
NO. The US has no federal paid sick leave mandate. Family First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA) covered 2020-2021 but expired Sep 30, 2021. 22 states + DC have their own paid sick leave laws — coverage depends entirely on where you work.
Q How much paid sick leave does California require?
40 hours (5 days) annually starting January 1, 2024 (raised from 24 hours via SB 616). Earned at 1 hour per 30 worked. Frontload alternative: employer gives all 40 hrs upfront Jan 1. Carryover: at least 80 hrs total can roll over but use is capped at 40/yr.
Q Which states mandate paid sick leave in 2026?
22 states + DC: AK, AZ, CA, CO, CT, IL, ME, MD, MA, MI, MN, NE, NV, NJ, NM, NY, OR, RI, VT, WA, DC. Plus select PA jurisdictions (Philadelphia, Pittsburgh). Newest additions: Alaska (Ballot 1, 2024), Michigan (ESTA, eff 2025), Nebraska (Initiative 436, 2024).
Q How does paid sick leave accrual work?
Most state laws use 1 hour earned per 30 hours worked. Example: 40-hr/week FT employee earns ~1.33 hrs/week, hits 40-hr cap after ~30 weeks. Capped at state minimum but employer can offer more. Accrual continues throughout employment.
Q Can I use sick leave for family members?
YES in all 22 mandate states. Family member typically includes child, spouse, parent, sibling, grandparent, grandchild, and "any individual related by blood or affinity whose close association is the equivalent of a family relationship." Some states extend to domestic violence victims and bereavement.
Q Does paid sick leave roll over year-to-year?
Most state laws REQUIRE rollover of accrued unused hours, but cap USE at 40 hrs/year. Frontload method exempts employer from tracking by giving full annual amount Jan 1. Some states (NY, MD) allow up to 80 hours total carryover.
Q Can my employer fire me for using sick leave?
NO — anti-retaliation provisions exist in every state mandate. You can sue for reinstatement + back pay + damages if fired for using legally-protected sick leave. Document everything: dates, communications, request methods. File complaint with state DOL within 1-3 years (state-specific).
Q What if my employer doesn't comply?
File complaint with state Department of Labor (CA: DLSE; NY: DOL; etc.). Penalties: back pay + damages + civil fines $100-$10,000 per violation. Some states allow private right of action with attorney fees. Class actions common in CA. Federal DOL has no jurisdiction over state mandates.
Official resources
CA DLSE — Paid Sick Leave
California Division of Labor Standards Enforcement official paid sick leave FAQ for SB 616 (40-hour minimum).
DOL — Paid Sick Leave Resources
US Department of Labor (federal context) — confirms no federal mandate; defers to state law.
A Better Balance — State Paid Sick Time Tracker
Comprehensive 50-state tracker of paid sick leave laws with annual caps and accrual rates.
NCSL — State Paid Sick Leave Laws
National Conference of State Legislatures official tracking of all 22 state mandate laws.