Jury duty pay varies by court and state, and most jurors earn between $15 and $50 per day
The amount you receive for jury duty depends on which court summons you, how long the trial lasts, and the state or county where you serve. Federal courts typically pay more than state courts. Most state courts pay between $15 and $50 per day, though some pay nothing for the first few days. A few states and counties pay nothing at all, even for longer trials. You will not get rich on jury duty pay — it is meant to cover lost wages partially, not fully.
Payment usually arrives weeks or months after your service ends, not at the end of each day. Some courts mail a check; others deposit funds directly to your bank account if you provided that information during jury selection. You should ask the court clerk on your first day how and when payment will reach you, because the timeline varies widely.
Key Takeaways
- Federal juries typically earn $50 per day for the first three days, then $35 per day after that, while state court pay ranges from $0 to $50 per day depending on location.
- Most courts do not pay for the first day or first few days of jury duty, so a one-day trial may result in no payment at all.
- Payment arrives by mail or direct deposit weeks after your service ends, not immediately after each court day.
- Some employers are required by law to pay you your regular wage while you serve on jury duty, which may be more than the court pays.
- You can request a hardship exemption before trial if jury duty pay would cause genuine financial strain, though courts grant these selectively.
Federal court jury pay
If you are summoned to a federal district court, you will earn $50 per day for your first three days of service. After that, the rate drops to $35 per day for days four through ten, and $50 per day again for any service beyond ten days. This applies whether you are sitting in a jury box or waiting in the jury assembly room — you are paid for time spent at the courthouse, not only time spent deliberating.
Federal courts cover travel costs separately. If you live more than a certain distance from the courthouse (usually 30 miles or more), you may receive mileage reimbursement or a travel allowance. The court will explain this when you check in on your first day.
State and local court jury pay
State courts set their own pay rates, so the amount you receive depends on which state and county you live in. California pays $15 per day for the first five days, then $50 per day after that. New York pays $15 per day for the first three days, then $35 per day. Texas pays $6 per day for the first three days, then $40 per day. Some states, including South Carolina and Mississippi, pay nothing for jury duty.
Many courts do not pay for your first day at all, treating it as a screening day. If you are dismissed during jury selection and never sworn in, you may receive no payment. Some courts also do not pay for the final day, even if you serve the entire trial. Always ask the court clerk about the specific pay schedule for your court before you leave on your first day.
When your employer must pay you instead
Many states have laws requiring employers to pay your regular wage while you serve on jury duty, at least for a certain number of days. These laws vary significantly. Some states require employers to pay your full salary for up to five days of jury service per year. Others require payment only for the first three days. A few states have no employer-pay requirement at all.
If your state or employer has this requirement, you will typically receive your regular paycheck from your employer rather than (or in addition to) the court's jury pay. You may need to show your employer the jury summons or a certificate of service from the court to trigger payment. Check your employee handbook or ask your HR department whether your employer covers jury duty pay, because this can be significantly more than what the court pays.
How long you serve affects total payment
A one-day trial where you are dismissed during jury selection may pay nothing or only a small amount, depending on your court's rules. A week-long trial will pay more, but the total is still modest — a federal juror serving one full week earns roughly $240 to $280 before taxes. A month-long trial in federal court would pay around $800 to $1,000.
Long trials are rare. Most trials last three to five days. Criminal trials tend to be shorter than civil trials. If you are selected for a trial expected to last several weeks, the court will tell you this during jury selection, and you can request to be excused if the length would cause genuine hardship.
Requesting a hardship exemption
If jury duty would create serious financial hardship — because you are self-employed, care for dependents without backup, or face other documented circumstances — you can request to be excused before trial begins. This request must be made in writing and submitted to the court before your trial date. The court is not required to grant it, and standards vary by judge and location.
A simple statement that jury duty is inconvenient is not usually enough. Courts are more likely to excuse people who can show they have no income during jury service, are the sole caregiver for a child or elderly parent, or face loss of housing or utilities if they do not work. Bring documentation: a letter from your employer, proof of self-employment income, or a statement from a dependent's school or care provider. Ask the court clerk what evidence they need before you submit your request.
Taxes and jury pay
Jury duty pay is taxable income. The court does not withhold taxes, so you will owe federal income tax on whatever you earn. If you earn a small amount (under $600 in most cases), you may not receive a tax form from the court, but you should still report it on your tax return. If you earn more, the court will send you a Form 1099-MISC.
Some people can deduct unreimbursed expenses related to jury duty — such as parking or meals — on their tax return, but this is uncommon and depends on your specific situation. Speak with a tax professional if you served on a long trial and want to understand your tax obligations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I get paid if I am dismissed during jury selection?
It depends on your court's rules. Many courts do not pay for the first day, which is often used for jury selection. If you are dismissed before being sworn in, you may receive nothing. Some courts pay a small amount ($15 to $25) for showing up, even if you are dismissed. Ask the court clerk on your first day what the policy is.
What if I am on a jury that deliberates for weeks?
You will be paid for each day you deliberate at the same rate as trial days. If a federal jury deliberates for two weeks, you earn $35 per day (the rate after day three). State court rates apply the same way. Deliberation can take longer than the trial itself in complex cases, so payment can add up, but it is still modest compared to lost wages.
Can I refuse jury duty to avoid losing income?
Ignoring a jury summons can result in fines or contempt of court charges. If jury duty would cause genuine hardship, request an exemption in writing before your trial date. If you are selected and cannot afford to serve, tell the judge during jury selection — some judges will excuse you, though others will not. Refusing to show up is not a legal option.
Will I receive payment if the trial is cancelled?
If you report to court and the trial is cancelled or postponed before you are sworn in, you will be paid only for the days you actually appeared, following your court's standard pay schedule. If you are sworn in and then the trial is cancelled, you will typically be paid through the day of cancellation. Ask the court clerk before you leave.
Does jury duty pay count toward unemployment benefits?
In most states, jury duty pay does not disqualify you from unemployment benefits, but it may reduce your weekly benefit amount. Some states require you to report jury pay to the unemployment office. If you are receiving unemployment, contact your state's unemployment agency to ask how jury duty pay affects your benefits before you serve.