The State of Paid Sick Time in the U.S. in 2024

In the U.S., federal law doesn't guarantee workers paid time off, and 22 percent lack even a single paid sick day. The Center for American Progress addresses this in fact sheets, noting that 78 percent of the private sector has paid sick time. However, disparities exist based on income and industry, with the lowest earners and part-time workers less likely to have this benefit.

While federal law doesn't universally ensure paid sick time, federal contractors generally have this entitlement. The proposed Healthy Families Act, reintroduced in the 118th Congress, aims to establish nationwide paid sick time rights. Read more from the Center for American Progress here.