Most jurors receive payment, but the amount varies widely by court and state

Yes, you are paid for jury duty in most U.S. courts, but the payment is usually small — often between $15 and $50 per day, depending on which court system you serve in and how long you serve. Some courts pay nothing for the first few days, then increase the rate. Federal courts typically pay more than state courts. The court itself pays you, not your employer, though some employers voluntarily supplement the court payment.

The amount you receive depends on three things: which court you are serving in, how many days you serve, and whether you are in a trial that lasts longer than a week or two. A one-day jury duty assignment might pay $15 to $30. A two-week trial might pay $50 per day by the end. Some courts have flat daily rates; others increase payment after day three or day five.

Key Takeaways

  • Federal courts pay $50 on day one and $60 per day after that; state courts typically pay $15 to $50 per day depending on the state and county.
  • Payment comes from the court, not your employer, and you receive a check by mail weeks after your service ends.
  • You are required to report for jury duty even if the pay is low; refusing without a valid reason can result in fines or contempt charges.
  • Some employers are required by law to pay you your regular wage while you serve on jury duty, but this varies by state and employer size.
  • The payment is taxable income, and the court will send you a 1099 form if you earn more than a certain threshold.

Federal court payment rates

Federal courts follow a set national schedule. Jurors are paid $50 for the first day of service and $60 per day for each day after that. If you are selected for a trial that lasts weeks or months, you continue to receive $60 per day for the entire duration. Federal courts also reimburse parking and mileage if you drive to the courthouse.

Payment is mailed to your home address on file with the court, usually within two to four weeks after your service ends. You will receive a Form 1099-MISC if your total jury pay reaches $600 in a calendar year, which means you will owe federal income tax on the amount.

State and local court payment rates

State courts set their own jury pay rates, so the amount you receive depends on which state and county you live in. Some examples: California pays $15 per day for the first five days, then $50 per day after that. Texas pays $6 per day for the first three days, then $40 per day after that. New York pays $15 per day for the first three days, then $30 per day. Some counties in rural areas pay as little as $10 per day throughout.

You can find your state's or county's specific rate by visiting the court's website or calling the jury office before your service date. Many courts post this information in the jury summons itself. If you are summoned to multiple courts in different counties, each court will pay according to its own schedule.

When your employer must pay you instead

Some states require employers to pay employees their regular wage while they serve on jury duty. These laws vary significantly. California, for example, requires employers with 50 or more employees to pay full wages for up to five days of jury duty per year. New York requires employers with four or more employees to pay for up to five days. Other states have no such requirement, meaning you receive only the court's small daily payment.

If your state has an employer-pay law, you typically must provide your employer with a copy of your jury summons and a statement from the court showing the dates you served. Your employer then pays you directly, and you may or may not receive the court's daily payment as well — this depends on state law. Check your state's labor department website or ask your employer's HR department whether this law applies to you.

How and when you receive payment

The court mails jury payment by check to the address you provided when you were summoned. Payment is not automatic — the court processes it after your service ends, which means you typically wait two to four weeks to receive your check. Some courts are slower; federal courts are generally faster. Do not expect payment on the day you are dismissed.

If you move before receiving your check, contact the court's jury office with your new address. Checks can be reissued if lost, but you will need to request this in writing. Some courts now offer direct deposit if you provide banking information when you report for duty, though this is not yet standard everywhere.

Tax implications of jury pay

Jury duty payment is taxable income. If you earn $600 or more in jury pay during a calendar year, the court will send you a Form 1099-MISC, and you must report this income on your federal tax return. Even if you earn less than $600, the income is still technically taxable, though you may not receive a 1099 form.

You cannot deduct jury duty pay as a loss or expense on your taxes. However, if you had to take unpaid time off work to serve, you cannot deduct that lost income either — jury duty is a civic obligation, not a business expense. Keep your jury payment checks and any 1099 forms you receive for your tax records.

What happens if you do not show up

Ignoring a jury summons can result in fines ranging from $100 to $1,000 depending on your state and the court. Some courts will issue a second summons; if you ignore that, you may face contempt of court charges, which can include jail time in extreme cases. Courts take jury duty seriously because the justice system depends on citizen participation.

If you have a genuine hardship — a medical condition, caregiving responsibilities, financial crisis, or work obligation you cannot reschedule — you can request to be excused or postponed. Contact the jury office before your service date and explain your situation. Many courts will grant postponements or excuse you if the hardship is documented and severe. Ignoring the summons without requesting an excuse is different from requesting one and being denied.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I get paid if I am dismissed during jury selection?

Yes, in most courts. If you report for duty and are dismissed during voir dire (jury selection), you typically receive payment for that day. Some courts pay only if you are in the courtroom for a certain amount of time, so ask the jury office when you are dismissed what you will receive.

Can I refuse jury duty because the pay is too low?

No. Jury duty is a legal obligation, and refusing without a valid reason can result in fines or contempt charges. If the low pay creates genuine hardship, you can request to be excused or postponed, but you must do this before your service date by contacting the court.

What if I am self-employed — do I still get only the court's small payment?

Yes. Self-employed people receive only the court's daily payment, which is typically $15 to $60 per day. You do not receive compensation for lost business income. If jury duty will cause severe financial hardship, you can request postponement or excuse before your service date.

Will I receive a W-2 or 1099 for jury pay?

You will receive a Form 1099-MISC if your jury pay reaches $600 in a calendar year. Amounts under $600 are still taxable but may not generate a form. The court sends the 1099 to you and the IRS, so you must report the income on your tax return.

How do I find out my state's jury pay rate?

Check the court's website or call the jury office listed on your summons. Your summons may also include the pay rate. If you are unsure which court you are reporting to, the phone number on the summons will connect you to someone who can tell you the exact amount.