Oregon Labor Laws

Oregon Sick Leave Law: Accrual, Caps and Who Is Covered — Best Proven Guide (2026)

By Oleg Kachko · Updated October 8, 2026
✓ Verified October 2026

The Oregon sick leave law gives you 1 hour for every 30 hours worked, capped at 40 hours a year, for employers of 10 or more must pay (6 or more in Portland); smaller employers provide it unpaid. This guide gives the exact oregon sick leave law rule with the date we verified it, the statute, and what to do next.

Rules verified against Oregon Bureau of Labor and Industries (BOLI) on 2026-10-08; confirm the current rule with Oregon Bureau of Labor and Industries (BOLI) or an attorney before you rely on it.

Oregon Sick Leave Law at a Glance

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Law Yes — paid sick leave
Accrual 1 hour for every 30 hours worked
Annual cap 40 hours a year
Who is covered Employers of 10 or more must pay (6 or more in Portland); smaller employers provide it unpaid
Statute Or. Rev. Stat. 653.601 to 653.661
In effect since January 1, 2016

Oregon Sick Leave Law: The Rule

1 hour for every 30 hours worked. 40 hours a year. Covered: employers of 10 or more must pay (6 or more in Portland); smaller employers provide it unpaid. The statute is Or. Rev. Stat. 653.601 to 653.661, in effect since January 1, 2016.

⚠ Oregon sick leave law: 1 hour for every 30 hours worked; 40 hours a year. In effect since January 1, 2016.

What Oregon Sick Leave Law Lets You Use Leave For

Oregon sick time can be used for your own or a family member’s mental or physical illness, injury, health condition, diagnosis or preventive care. It also covers bonding with a new child, a family member’s death, safe leave for domestic violence, harassment, sexual assault or stalking, and certain public health emergencies such as a school or workplace closure. Confirm the full list with BOLI.

Oregon Sick Leave Law at a Glance

Rules verified against Oregon Bureau of Labor and Industries (BOLI) on 2026-10-08; confirm the current rule with Oregon Bureau of Labor and Industries (BOLI) or an attorney before you rely on it. The statute row is where to check it yourself.

Law Yes — paid sick leave
Accrual 1 hour for every 30 hours worked
Annual cap 40 hours a year
Who is covered Employers of 10 or more must pay (6 or more in Portland); smaller employers provide it unpaid
Statute Or. Rev. Stat. 653.601 to 653.661
In effect since January 1, 2016

Accrual, Caps and Carryover Under Oregon Sick Leave Law

1 hour for every 30 hours worked; 40 hours a year. For foreseeable leave, an employer may require advance notice under its written policy. For unforeseeable leave, notice is due as soon as practicable. After an extended absence, or if abuse of leave is suspected, the employer may ask for reasonable verification, such as a note from a health care provider.

The employer generally has to pay the cost of verification that insurance does not cover.

The leave is paid at your regular rate for the covered employers above; smaller employers in some states must give the time unpaid.

Oregon Sick Leave Law and Retaliation

Under Oregon law, an employer may not deny, interfere with, discriminate against or retaliate against a worker for asking for or using sick time. A worker who believes this happened may file a complaint with BOLI’s Civil Rights Division or bring a civil action.

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Local Rules and Oregon Sick Leave Law

NONE. State law preempts local sick-leave ordinances, so Portland’s earlier ordinance no longer applies.

Other Oregon Sick Leave Law Rules to Know

Larger employers must pay for sick time, while smaller employers may provide it unpaid but job-protected. The size threshold for paid time is lower for employers that have a location in Portland. Sick time is separate from benefits under the state’s Paid Leave Oregon program.

Denied the leave you earned? The labor department enforces the sick-leave law for free.

Contact Oregon Bureau of Labor and Industries (BOLI)

Oregon — the bottom line

  • The oregon sick leave law gives 1 hour for every 30 hours worked.
  • Under the oregon sick leave law the cap is 40 hours a year.
  • The oregon sick leave law protects you from retaliation for using the leave.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is paid sick leave required in Oregon?

Yes. 1 hour for every 30 hours worked.

How much sick leave do I get under Oregon sick leave law?

40 hours a year.

Which employers are covered by the Oregon sick leave law?

Employers of 10 or more must pay (6 or more in Portland); smaller employers provide it unpaid.

Can I be fired for using sick leave in Oregon?

Under Oregon law, an employer may not deny, interfere with, discriminate against or retaliate against a worker for asking for or using sick time.

When did the Oregon sick leave law take effect?

January 1, 2016.

Official Oregon Sources & Resources

This oregon sick leave law guide was last verified against official Oregon sources in October 2026. Rules change — confirm the current figure with the state agency or a licensed attorney.

More Oregon Workplace Rights Guides

Disclaimer: This guide is general information, not legal or financial advice. My Unemployment Rights is an independent educational resource, not a government agency and not a law firm. Final-paycheck deadlines, penalties and non compete rules change — every figure here carries the date we verified it. Confirm the current rule with your state labor department or a licensed attorney before you act.

Hurt at work before you lost the job? See whether workers comp or unemployment applies at Workers Comp Explained. Denied unemployment because you cannot work? Social Security disability may be the right program - start at Disability Claim Info. Lost income and worried about rent? Know your rights before an eviction notice arrives at Tenant Rights Info.