Massachusetts paid sick leave
In effect since July 1, 2015
1 hour for every 30 hours worked
All employers (paid if 11+ employees; unpaid if fewer than 11) must let employees accrue and use up to 40 hours of paid sick leave a year. Fewer than 11 employees: earned sick time is unpaid.
| Accrual | 1 hour for every 30 hours worked |
|---|---|
| Annual cap | 40 hours Up to 40 hours a year |
| Who must provide it | All employers (paid if 11+ employees; unpaid if fewer than 11) |
| Waiting period | Leave can be used from the 90th calendar day of employment. |
| Carryover | Up to 40 unused hours carry over, but use stays capped at 40 hours a year. |
| Payout when employment ends | Not required |
| Covered uses | Employee's or family member's illness, injury, health condition, diagnosis or preventive care; domestic violence, sexual assault or stalking needs. Since November 21, 2024, also pregnancy loss or failed assisted reproduction, adoption or surrogacy. |
Running payroll in Massachusetts?
Recent changes
Last verified against the official source on October 9, 2026.
No changes recorded since we started tracking this page.
Sources
- Massachusetts Attorney General's Office (Fair Labor Division) · data as of October 8, 2026 · last checked October 9, 2026
We copy figures from official sources and re-check them against the source before every update. See our methodology. This is general information, not legal advice.