Jury duty pay varies by state and court level, and most jurors earn between $15 and $50 per day
The amount you receive for jury duty depends on which state you serve in, what type of court (federal, state, or local), and how many days you sit. Federal jurors typically earn more than state jurors. Most states pay between $15 and $50 per day for the first few days, then increase the rate or add a small daily stipend after that. Some states pay nothing for the first day or two, then begin compensation. A few states pay nothing at all.
Payment is usually sent by check or direct deposit after your service ends, not during jury duty. The court clerk's office handles payment, and timing varies — some courts pay within two weeks, others take a month or longer. You will not receive payment while you are sitting; you cover your own costs during service.
Jurors are rarely paid enough to offset lost wages, especially for longer trials. Many employers are required by law to hold your job while you serve, but they are not required to pay you during that time. Self-employed people and hourly workers often lose income during jury service.
Key Takeaways
- Federal jurors earn $50 per day for the first three days, then $60 per day after that, with no maximum cap on total earnings.
- State court pay ranges from $0 to $50 per day depending on the state, and many states pay nothing for the first one or two days.
- Payment arrives after jury service ends, typically by check or direct deposit within two to four weeks.
- You must cover your own meals, parking, and transportation during service — the court does not reimburse these costs.
- Some states allow you to request a reduced fee or exemption based on financial hardship, though approval is not may provide.
Federal jury duty pay
Federal courts pay jurors on a fixed schedule set by Congress. You receive $50 per day for your first three days of service. Starting on day four, the rate increases to $60 per day. There is no cap on how many days you can serve or how much you can earn, so a juror on a three-month trial will continue earning $60 per day for the entire duration.
Federal courts also reimburse mileage if you drive to the courthouse. The current federal mileage rate is set annually and is typically around 67 cents per mile (though this changes year to year). You must request mileage reimbursement from the clerk's office; it does not happen automatically. Parking and meals are your own expense.
Payment is issued by check or direct deposit after your service concludes. Most federal courts process payments within two to three weeks. If you are selected for a long trial, you may request an advance payment from the court, though this is not standard practice and depends on the judge's discretion.
State and local court jury duty pay
State court pay varies widely and is set by each state legislature. Some states pay as little as $0 for the first day and $15 for subsequent days. Others pay $25 to $50 per day from day one. A few states, including South Dakota and Wyoming, pay nothing at all. The table below shows representative rates, but you should confirm the exact amount for your state and court by contacting the clerk's office directly.
| State/Court Type | Day 1 Pay | Days 2–5 Pay | Day 6+ Pay |
|---|---|---|---|
| California (state court) | $15 | $15 | $40 |
| New York (state court) | $15 | $15 | $40 |
| Texas (state court) | $6 | $6 | $40 |
| Florida (state court) | $50 | $50 | $50 |
| Illinois (state court) | $17.20 | $17.20 | $17.20 |
| South Dakota | $0 | $0 | $0 |
Local and municipal courts (small claims, traffic, misdemeanor) often pay less than state district courts. Some pay $0 to $10 per day. Contact your local courthouse directly to learn what your specific court pays, as rates can differ between counties within the same state.
Most states do not reimburse parking or meals. A few states offer a small daily stipend (usually $5 to $15) to cover these costs, but this is uncommon. Mileage reimbursement is rare in state courts, though some states reimburse if you live more than a certain distance from the courthouse.
When payment arrives and how to receive it
Payment is never issued during jury service. You receive your check or direct deposit after you are dismissed from the jury. The timing depends on the court's processing speed. Federal courts typically pay within two to three weeks. State courts vary — some pay within one week, others take four to six weeks.
You can request direct deposit instead of a check by providing your banking information to the clerk's office. Ask about this option when you check in on your first day of service. If you do not set up direct deposit, the court will mail a check to the address on file with your summons.
If you do not receive payment within the timeframe the court stated, contact the clerk's office. Bring your juror number (printed on your summons) and the dates you served. Courts sometimes lose payment requests or issue checks to outdated addresses, so following up is normal.
Requesting a fee reduction or hardship exemption
Many states allow jurors to request a reduced fee or temporary exemption based on financial hardship. This is not the same as being excused from jury duty entirely — it means you may serve at a reduced rate or defer service to a later date when your finances improve.
To request a hardship reduction, you typically submit a written request to the clerk's office before your service date. Include documentation of your hardship: proof of unemployment, a letter from your employer stating you will not be paid during jury service, medical bills, or other evidence of financial strain. The judge or clerk reviews your request and decides whether to grant it.
Approval is not may provide. Courts balance the need for jurors against individual hardship claims. If you are denied, you can ask to be excused from this particular jury pool and request a different service date. Some courts allow you to request postponement multiple times, while others limit how often you can defer.
Employer obligations during jury service
Federal law prohibits employers from firing, threatening, or penalizing you for serving on a jury. Most states have similar protections. However, this law does not require your employer to pay you while you serve. Your employer must hold your job, but you lose your wages unless your employer chooses to pay you anyway.
Some large employers and government agencies do pay employees during jury service, but this is voluntary. Check your employee handbook or ask your HR department whether your employer has this policy. If your employer does pay you, you may be required to give the jury payment to your employer or split it.
Self-employed people and hourly workers typically lose income during jury service because they do not earn money when they are not working. This is one reason some courts allow hardship requests — the jury fee alone does not replace lost income for these workers.
Frequently Asked Questions
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. The court does not issue a 1099 form for jury pay, so you are responsible for tracking the amount and reporting it yourself. Keep your jury payment check or direct deposit confirmation as documentation.
What if I served multiple days or a long trial — do I get paid more?
Yes, you are paid for each day you serve. If you sit for 30 days, you receive 30 days of pay at the daily rate set by your court. Federal courts increase the daily rate after day three, so longer trials pay more per day. State courts vary — some keep the same rate throughout, others increase it after a certain number of days.
Can I refuse jury duty to avoid losing income?
Refusing to appear for jury duty can result in a fine or contempt of court charges. If you have a genuine financial hardship, request a postponement or fee reduction before your service date rather than ignoring the summons. Courts are more sympathetic to advance requests than to no-shows.
Do I get reimbursed for parking or meals during jury duty?
Rarely. Most courts do not reimburse parking or meal costs. Federal courts reimburse mileage but not parking. A few states offer a small daily stipend ($5 to $15) to cover these costs, but you must ask the clerk's office whether your court offers this. Plan to cover these expenses yourself.
What happens if the court loses my payment information?
Contact the clerk's office with your juror number and service dates. Courts can reissue checks or update direct deposit information. If a check was mailed and lost, the court can issue a replacement. This process usually takes one to two weeks.