Seattle, WA Leave Laws
Complete guide to Seattle's local sick leave ordinance and employer requirements.
Overview
Seattle was an early adopter of paid sick leave. Tier 1: 5-49 employees, Tier 2: 50-249, Tier 3: 250+.
Key Requirements
Accrual Rate
1 hour per 30 hours worked (Tier 1-2) or 1 hour per 40 hours (Tier 3)
Maximum Accrual
Employees can accrue up to 40 hours (Tier 1), 56 hours (Tier 2), 72 hours (Tier 3) of paid sick leave.
Waiting Period
90 days (Tier 1), 180 days (Tier 2-3) before employees can use accrued time.
Carryover
Yes
Covered Uses
Employees in Seattle can use sick leave for:
- ✓Employee illness
- ✓Care for family member
- ✓Domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking
- ✓Workplace or school closure due to public health emergency
Employer Obligations
- •Post required notice
- •Provide written notice at hire
- •Track hours and report on pay stubs
- •Report annually to City
✓ More Generous than State Law
- •Seattle: Up to 72 hours for large employers vs. State: No annual cap
- •Seattle: Tiered system based on employer size
- •Seattle effective 2012 vs. State 2018
Penalties for Non-Compliance
Civil penalties up to $500 per violation. Back pay and reinstatement.
Quick Reference
- City
- Seattle, WA
- Population
- 750,000+
- Effective Date
- September 1, 2012
- Employer Threshold
- 1+ employees
Official Resources
State Laws
Seattle employers must also comply with Washington state laws.
View Washington Leave Laws →Calculate Accrual
Use our calculator to determine sick leave accrual for your employees.
Sick Leave Calculator →Simplify Seattle Leave Compliance
LeavePlan Pro automatically tracks Seattle's sick leave requirements and ensures your policies stay compliant.