80% of Private Industry Workers Had Access to Paid Sick Leave in 2025
The Fact
The Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that 80% of private industry workers had access to paid sick leave in 2025. Access varied by region, from 98% in the Pacific division to 71% in the West South Central division (which includes Oklahoma and Texas) and 63% in the East South Central division.
What This Means
One in five private-sector workers has no paid sick days. In parts of the South, it is more than one in three.
Why It Matters
Without paid sick leave, being sick means losing pay — or going to work sick.
Sources
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. “Paid Sick Leave Was Available to 80 Percent of Private Industry Workers in 2025,” The Economics Daily, Feb. 10, 2026. https://www.bls.gov/opub/ted/2026/paid-sick-leave-was-available-to-80-percent-of-private-industry-workers-in-2025.htm
Related Facts
- Does Federal Law Give Me Paid Leave If I'm Sick? No — FMLA Leave Is Unpaid.
- How Many Long-Time Workers Lost Jobs in 2023–2025? 3.3 Million.
- How Many Long-Time Workers Lost Jobs Because the Company Closed or Moved? Nearly 1 in 3.
- How Many Long-Time Workers Lost Jobs Because There Wasn't Enough Work? About 23%.