What jury duty pays depends on your state and the court, but most jurors earn between $15 and $50 per day

Jury duty pay is set by state law, not federal law, so the amount varies widely. A juror in federal court might earn $50 per day after the first day (which is unpaid), while a juror in a county court might earn $15 to $25 per day. Some states pay nothing for the first few days, then increase the rate. A few states pay nothing at all, though this is rare.

The court sends payment by check or direct deposit after your service ends. If you serve for a week or longer, you may receive partial payment during your service rather than waiting until the end. The amount you receive is taxable income, and the court will send you a 1099 form if you earn more than $600 in a calendar year.

Key Takeaways

  • Most states pay jurors $15 to $50 per day, with federal courts typically paying more than state courts.
  • Payment usually begins on day two of service, with day one often unpaid or paid at a lower rate.
  • Some courts increase the daily rate after you serve for a week or longer.
  • You will receive a 1099 form from the court if your jury duty pay exceeds $600 in a single year.
  • Your employer cannot legally reduce your pay or fire you for serving on jury duty, though they are not required to pay you during that time.

How payment timing works during your service

Courts typically pay jurors at the end of service, not during. If you serve for three days, you will receive one check covering all three days after you are dismissed. If you serve for two weeks or longer, many courts will issue a check at the end of the first week and another at the end of service.

The payment method varies by court. Some courts mail a check to your home address. Others offer direct deposit if you provide banking information when you check in on your first day. A few courts pay by prepaid card. Ask the court clerk when you receive your summons what method they use and when you can expect payment.

State-by-state payment rates

Payment rates differ significantly across states. Federal district courts pay $50 per day starting on day two, then $50 per day for days three through ten, and $60 per day after that. State courts vary more widely.

Some examples: California pays $15 per day for the first five days, then $25 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 $25 per day for days four through thirty, then $50 per day after that. New Jersey pays $5 per day for the first three days, then $35 per day after that. If you have received a summons, the court paperwork or the court's website will state the rate for your specific court.

What happens if you lose income while serving

Jury duty pay rarely covers the full income you lose if you work hourly or are self-employed. A juror earning $20 per hour loses $160 in a full workday but receives $15 to $50 from the court. The difference is your loss, and the court does not compensate it.

Some employers continue to pay you during jury duty, especially if you work for a large company or government agency. Others do not. Your employer is not legally required to pay you, but they cannot reduce your pay, dock your vacation time, or fire you for serving. If your employer retaliates against you for jury service, that is illegal, and you can report it to your state's labor board or attorney general.

If jury duty creates a genuine financial hardship, you can request to be excused or postponed when you receive your summons. Courts have discretion to grant these requests, especially if you are self-employed or the sole earner in your household. The request must be made in writing before your court date.

How jury duty pay affects taxes and benefits

Jury duty pay is taxable income. You must report it on your federal tax return for the year you received it. If you earn $600 or more in jury duty pay in a calendar year, the court will send you a Form 1099-MISC in January of the following year. You will use this form to report the income to the IRS.

Jury duty pay may also affect means-tested benefits like unemployment, food assistance, or housing assistance. If you receive these benefits, report the jury duty income to the administering agency. In most cases, a small amount of jury duty pay will not disqualify you, but the rules vary by program and state. Contact the agency directly to ask how to report it.

Reimbursement for parking and mileage

Most courts reimburse jurors for parking fees incurred while serving. You will need to save your parking receipts and submit them to the court clerk before you leave on your last day. Reimbursement is usually processed with your final jury duty payment.

Some courts also reimburse mileage at a set rate (often $0.30 to $0.50 per mile) if you drive to court. Others do not. Ask the court clerk on your first day whether mileage reimbursement is available and what documentation you need to provide. If you use public transportation, keep your receipts or passes to show the court.

What to do if you do not receive payment

If you complete jury service and do not receive payment within four to six weeks, contact the court clerk's office. Provide your juror number (printed on your summons) and the dates you served. The clerk can check whether payment was issued and, if so, whether it was mailed to the correct address.

If payment was issued but lost in the mail, the court can issue a replacement check or stop payment on the original and issue a new one. If payment was never issued, the clerk will investigate and process it. Keep a record of the dates you served and the names of court staff you spoke with in case you need to follow up.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I get paid for the first day of jury duty?

Most courts do not pay for the first day, or pay a reduced rate. Federal courts pay nothing on day one, then $50 per day starting on day two. State courts vary; some pay $0 on day one, others pay a lower rate like $5 or $10. Check your court's website or the paperwork that came with your summons.

Can my employer make me use vacation time for jury duty?

No. Your employer cannot require you to use vacation, sick leave, or personal time to cover jury duty. They also cannot reduce your pay or fire you for serving. If they do, that is illegal retaliation. Report it to your state's labor board or attorney general's office.

What if I am on disability or unemployment — does jury duty pay affect my benefits?

Jury duty pay may count as income and affect your benefits, depending on the program and your state. Contact the agency that administers your benefits before you serve and ask how to report the income. In many cases, a small amount will not disqualify you, but you must report it to stay in compliance.

Do I have to pay taxes on jury duty pay?

Yes. Jury duty pay is taxable income and must be reported on your federal tax return. If you earn $600 or more in a calendar year, the court will send you a Form 1099-MISC. You will use this to report the income to the IRS when you file your return.

What if I cannot afford to serve because the pay is too low?

You can request to be excused or postponed when you receive your summons. Write a letter explaining the financial hardship and mail it to the court before your scheduled date. Courts have discretion to grant these requests, especially if you are self-employed or the sole earner in your household. Provide specific details about your situation.