Direct answer: Seattle (King County) requires paid sick leave for 1 employee. Accrual 1 hour per 30 hours, max No cap (stricter accrual), paid. Source: https://www.seattle.gov/; retrieved 2026-08-23.
This page summarizes a local ordinance for general guidance only. It is not legal advice. The controlling language is the official municipal code at the source link below.
Local ordinance vs Washington state law
Provision
Seattle
Washington State
Employer threshold
1 employee
1 employee
Accrual rate
1 hour per 30 hours
1 hour per 40 hours worked
Max accrual
No cap (stricter accrual)
No cap; carryover up to 40 hrs
Paid / unpaid
paid
paid
Local insight
Seattle Sick and Safe Time: no cap, stricter than state.
Compliance go / no-go
Determine if your workforce meets the local threshold (1 employee).
Accrue at 1 hour per 30 hours (or use a more generous PTO policy that meets/exceeds the local minimum).
Cap accrual at No cap (stricter accrual); honor carryover per local rule.
Post the required notice and keep a written policy citing the local ordinance.
Seattle may have private right of action / penalties for non-compliance — retain records.
What are the paid sick leave rules in Seattle for 2026?
Seattle requires paid sick leave for 1 employee. Accrual: 1 hour per 30 hours. Max: No cap (stricter accrual). Seattle Sick and Safe Time: no cap, stricter than state.
How does Seattle sick leave differ from Washington state law?
Seattle ordinance follows the same accrual framework as Washington state law but may have local administrative details. See the official source for exact text.
Where can I find the official Seattle sick leave ordinance?
The official text is published by the local agency: https://www.seattle.gov/.