Minnesota Earned Sick and Safe Time Accrual Calculator

Estimate Earned Sick and Safe Time (ESST) accrual under Minnesota law (Minn. Stat. § 181.9446, effective January 1, 2024): one hour for every 30 hours worked, up to 48 hours per year. Covers all employers.

Minnesota's Earned Sick and Safe Time (ESST) law (Minn. Stat. § 181.9446, effective January 1, 2024) requires employers of all sizes to provide at least one hour of paid sick and safe time for every 30 hours worked, up to 48 hours per year. — Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry — Earned Sick and Safe Time

Scope: This calculator models the statewide minimum under Minn. Stat. § 181.9446. Local ordinances in Minneapolis, St. Paul, Duluth, and Bloomington may require greater benefits. Frontloading arrangements are outside this tool's scope.

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Minnesota Earned Sick and Safe Time (ESST) law

Under Minn. Stat. § 181.9446, covered employees accrue one hour of earned sick and safe time for every 30 hours worked. Accrual begins on the first day of employment and continues throughout the accrual year.

Basic formula

raw accrual = hours worked / 30 accrual counted = min(raw accrual, annual cap) estimated balance = prior balance + accrual counted - leave used

Annual accrual cap

The annual cap on accrual is 48 hours per year for all covered employers. A more generous employer policy, contract, or local ordinance may allow a higher balance.

When can leave be used?

Accrued leave may first be taken on the 90th calendar day of employment. Hours continue accruing during the waiting period; the balance shown here may not yet be legally available.

Carryover and year-end balance

Up to 48 hours of unused ESST carries forward to the next year. Employers may limit carry-forward to 48 hours under the statewide minimum. Local ordinances (Minneapolis, St. Paul, Duluth, Bloomington) may require a higher or uncapped carryover.

Leave payout at separation

Minnesota ESST law does not require payout of unused earned sick and safe time at separation. A written employer policy may create a separate obligation.

What this calculator does not determine

Whether an employer or worker is covered by ESST (certain independent contractors and very short-term workers may be excluded).
Whether an employer uses a compliant frontloading arrangement instead of per-hour accrual.
Whether a local ordinance (Minneapolis, St. Paul, Duluth, Bloomington) requires more generous benefits.
Whether a specific absence qualifies as an authorized use of ESST under Minn. Stat. § 181.9446.
How fractional hours are tracked or rounded on payroll records.

Worked examples

Example 1: standard two-week pay period (80 hours)

hours worked = 80 raw accrual = 80 / 30 = 2.667 hours annual cap = 48 hours counted accrual = 2.667 hours

Example 2: full year of full-time work, cap applies

hours worked = 2,080 raw accrual = 2,080 / 30 = 69.333 hours annual cap = 48 hours counted accrual = 48.0 hours

Sources and verification

The accrual ratio, 48-hour annual cap, 90-day waiting period, and broad coverage are sourced from Minn. Stat. § 181.9446 and the Minnesota DLI Earned Sick and Safe Time page, verified August 2026. See the site's methodology for how rules become tested calculator logic.

Common questions

Does Minnesota ESST apply to all employers?

Yes. ESST covers employers of all sizes starting January 1, 2024. There is no minimum employee count to trigger coverage, unlike some other states.

When can a new Minnesota employee use ESST?

Employees begin accruing on day one of employment, but may not use accrued ESST until the 90th calendar day after hire. After that, leave may be taken as it accrues.

Does Minnesota ESST carry over year to year?

Yes. Up to 48 hours of unused ESST carries forward to the next year. Local ordinances in Minneapolis, St. Paul, and other cities may require more generous carryover.

Is Minnesota ESST paid out at termination?

No. Minn. Stat. § 181.9446 does not require payout of unused sick and safe time when employment ends. A written employer policy may create a separate obligation.

What can Minnesota ESST be used for?

Leave covers the employee's own illness, injury, or preventive care; care for a family member; and absences related to domestic abuse, sexual assault, or stalking. The law also covers school-related closures for public health emergencies. This calculator estimates accrued hours — it does not determine whether a specific absence qualifies.