What is the national average for sick days taken?

The average number of sick days taken in one year in the United States is 5.2 as of 2012. This figure includes 3.9 days taken for the worker's own illnesses and 1.3 days taken to care for a sick family member. This figure reflects workers with paid sick leave.

Workers who do not have paid sick leave take fewer sick days, as their average is only three days per year. Examples of workers who may not have paid sick leave include those in the restaurant and retail industries. These workers have been found to be 1.5 times more likely to go to work when sick than workers who have paid sick leave.