Paid Leave Benefits

Work Life Balance

Enjoy time off to relax, spend with loved ones, or recover from illness or injury. In your first year, you'll receive up to 34 days of paid leave, which includes holidays, vacation, and sick days. Many positions also offer telework and flexible schedules to support work-life balance.

 

Please note: Certain management, non-represented employees, and law enforcement positions may have different leave accural rates. Contact us with any questions. 

Additional Paid Leave Benefits

You can take paid leave for:

  • Voting.
  • Donating blood.
  • Taking physical exams for U.S. Armed Forces entry or state civil service exams.
  • Jury duty.
  • Certain types of emergency volunteer work.

If you're considering a temporary or seasonal position, your leave benefits may differ.

Paid Parental Leave

Eligible permanent employees can receive up to eight weeks of paid parental leave after 12 months of service.

Vacation Days

Vacation days (annual leave) are earned based on your years of service:

Years of ServiceDays Earned Per Year
0-311 days
3-1519 days
Over 1524 days

Sick Leave

Employees earn 11 days of sick leave each year. Sick leave can be used for:

  • Personal medical needs.
  • Caring for qualifying family members.
  • Bereavement after the loss of a loved one.

Paid Holidays

Employees receive the following 12 paid holidays:

    Hear from our employees

    "The Commonwealth’s flexible schedule gives me the time I need to be with my family, while still allowing me to thrive in my career."

    - Angelina

    • New Year’s Day
    • Martin Luther King Jr. Day
    • Presidents Day
    • Memorial Day
    • Juneteenth
    • Independence Day

    • Labor Day
    • Indigenous Peoples’ Day
    • Veterans Day
    • Thanksgiving Day
    • Day After Thanksgiving
    • Christmas Day

     

    If you work on a holiday, you generally earn overtime pay and additional paid time off.

    Compensatory Leave

    Some positions offer the option to earn compensatory leave (comp time) instead of overtime pay. This allows you to accumulate more paid time off.

    Military Leave

    Active duty military personnel are eligible for up to 30 days of paid leave. Additionally, you may receive a one-time 15-day paid leave for active duty and stipends up to $520/month while on unpaid leave. PA National Guard members activated by the Governor receive unlimited paid leave.

    For more details on benefits for veterans and active military personnel, visit our Military Leave Resource Center.