Paid Sick Leave in California
Whether California requires paid sick leave, how much you earn and how you can use it.
Short answer: Yes. Employers must provide at least 40 hours or 5 days (whichever is more) of paid sick leave per year. Under an accrual plan, employees earn at least 1 hour for every 30 hours worked; Cal. Labor Code § 246; California Labor Commissioner, Paid Sick Leave FAQ
| Paid sick leave | Yes. Employers must provide at least 40 hours or 5 days (whichever is more) of paid sick leave per year. Under an accrual plan, employees earn at least 1 hour for every 30 hours worked; employers may cap yearly use at 40 hours/5 days and total accrual at 80 hours/10 days. Under a front-loaded plan, the full amount is available at the start of each year. Some cities have their own, more generous sick leave ordinances. |
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Where to get help in California
- California Labor Commissioner's Office (Division of Labor Standards Enforcement), Department of Industrial Relations
- File a complaint or claim
More California employment law
- Minimum Wage in California
- Final Paycheck Laws in California
- Meal and Rest Break Laws in California
- Wrongful Termination in California
- Non-Compete Agreements in California
- All California employment law rules
FAQ
Is paid sick leave required in California?
Yes. Employers must provide at least 40 hours or 5 days (whichever is more) of paid sick leave per year. Under an accrual plan, employees earn at least 1 hour for every 30 hours worked; employers may cap yearly use at 40 hours/5 days and total accrual at 80 hours/10 days. Under a front-loaded plan, the full amount is available at the start of each year.
General legal information, not legal advice. Laws change and local rules can differ; check the linked official source or talk to a lawyer about your situation.