• State Laws
Washington PTO Payout Laws 2025: Does Unused Vacation Get Paid Out?
Washington PTO payout is often policy-driven for private employers. Learn what to check in your handbook, how payout differs for public sector rules, and how to estimate unused PTO value.
Washington does not require private employers to provide PTO or vacation. When you leave a job, payout of unused PTO is usually driven by the employer’s written policy.
Quick answer
- For many private-sector workers in Washington, PTO payout is typically policy-dependent.
- Public-sector employees can be covered by different rules and contracts.
Why Washington can be confusing
Washington has statutory language about vacation payout for certain public employees/contracts, but that does not automatically mean every private employer must pay out vacation.
For most employees, the practical question remains: what does the handbook say?
What to check in your PTO policy
- Does it promise payout at termination?
- Is there a forfeiture clause?
- Are there conditions like notice requirements?
- Does the employer separate vacation vs sick leave?
Estimate your PTO value
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Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.