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💼 Career
Do I take too many sick days?
Compare your annual sick days to the national average.
days
How many sick days is normal?
The average US worker takes 5.2 sick days per year (BLS 2023). In Germany, the average is much higher at 15.1 days, partly due to stronger worker protections and longer doctor-certified leave. The UK averages 5.7 days.
Average sick days by country (OECD 2023)
- Germany: 15.1 days (Krankheitstage — among highest in OECD)
- Sweden: 11.0 days
- Netherlands: 8.5 days
- France: 8.0 days
- United Kingdom: 5.7 days
- United States: 5.2 days
- Canada: 6.5 days
- Australia: 6.0 days
Many US workers don't take sick days even when ill due to lack of paid sick leave — 23% of private workers have no paid sick days at all.