Comprehensive guide to Washington leave laws — paid family and medical leave, paid sick leave, and all statutory entitlements.
Last updated
Washington State has one of the most generous paid leave programs in the
US, including Paid Family and Medical Leave (PFML), comprehensive paid
sick leave, and extensive job protections.
Paid Sick Leave
Yes — Washington Paid Sick Leave (Initiative 1433)
Paid Family Leave
Yes — Washington Paid Family and Medical Leave (PFML)
Sick leave can be used for the employee's or family member's illness, preventive care, domestic violence, public health emergency closures, or absences for school closures.
Paid Family & Medical Leave
ProgramWashington Paid Family and Medical Leave (PFML)
DurationUp to 12 weeks for family leave, 12 weeks for medical leave, or 16 weeks combined. Up to 18 weeks for pregnancy complications.
Pay RateUp to 90% of wages for lower-income workers, with a maximum weekly benefit.
FundingFunded through payroll contributions (employer pays approximately 75%, employee pays approximately 25%). Employers with fewer than 50 employees are not required to pay the employer share.
EligibilityEmployees who have worked at least 820 hours in the qualifying period.
PFML covers bonding, caring for a family member, the employee's own serious health condition, and military family leave.
Unpaid Family & Medical Leave
ProgramFederal FMLA + Washington Family Care Act
DurationUp to 12 weeks under FMLA. Washington FMLA provides additional protections.
EligibilityFMLA: employers with 50+ employees, 12 months and 1,250 hours.
Washington's Family Care Act requires employers who provide leave for the employee's own condition to provide the same leave for the employee's family members.
Jury Duty Leave
ProgramRCW 2.36.150
Paid?No — employers are not required to pay, but cannot penalize employees.
Employers must allow employees to serve on a jury. Employers cannot terminate or penalize employees for jury service.
Voting Leave
ProgramRCW 29A.84.061
Paid?Yes — up to 2 hours of paid time off.
Employees who do not have sufficient time outside working hours to vote are entitled to up to 2 hours of paid time off.
School Activity Leave
ProgramRCW 49.12.265
DurationUp to 16 hours per year per child.
EligibilityParents, guardians, or custodial caregivers of children enrolled in K-12.
Paid?Unpaid, but employees may use accrued leave.
Leave is for attending school activities, emergencies, or meetings.
Domestic Violence Leave
ProgramRCW 49.76
DurationReasonable time off for victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking.
EligibilityAll employees who are victims.
Paid?Unpaid, but employees may use accrued paid leave.
Leave can be used for medical care, legal proceedings, counseling, safety planning, or relocation.
Military Leave
ProgramRCW 38.40
Employees who are members of the National Guard or reserves are entitled to military leave for active duty, training, or emergency service.
Other Leave
Bereavement Leave
Not statutorily required, but may be covered under PFML if related to a serious health condition.
This page is provided for general guidance and does not constitute legal advice. Always check the cited sources for current law before making employment decisions.