Jury duty pay varies by state and court level, and most jurors earn little or nothing for the first few days

Most states pay jurors nothing for the first day or first three days of service. After that, payment typically ranges from $15 to $50 per day, depending on which state you live in and whether you're serving in a state court or federal court. Some counties pay more than their state minimum, and a few states pay nothing at all for any length of service.

The amount you receive also depends on how long you serve. A one-day trial might pay you $0 to $50. A two-week trial could total $150 to $500, though federal jury duty generally pays more than state court service. Your employer is not required by federal law to pay you during jury duty, though some do — that's a separate decision from what the court pays.

Key Takeaways

  • Most states do not pay jurors for the first one to three days of service, regardless of how long the trial lasts.
  • After the initial unpaid period, daily pay typically ranges from $15 to $50 per day, with federal courts paying more than state courts.
  • Your employer is not legally required to pay you during jury duty unless your state has a law protecting employee pay during service.
  • A few states, including South Dakota and Wyoming, pay nothing for any length of jury service.
  • Long trials can result in total payments of several hundred dollars, but most jurors serve for only one or two days.

State court jury pay: the most common scenario

In state courts, the first day of jury duty is almost always unpaid. Some states extend this to the first three days. After that initial period, you typically receive $15 to $40 per day, depending on the state. A few states, like California and Texas, pay $15 per day after the first day. Others, like Massachusetts and New York, pay $40 to $50 per day after the unpaid period ends.

The total you receive depends on how long the trial runs. If you're dismissed after jury selection or serve for only one day, you may receive nothing. If you serve for a week, you might earn $75 to $200. Trials lasting two weeks or longer can result in $300 to $500 or more, though this is less common — most trials last fewer than five days.

Some counties within a state pay more than the state minimum. Check your specific county court's website or the summons you received, because the amount listed there is what you'll actually receive.

Federal jury duty: higher pay for longer service

Federal courts pay $50 per day for the first three days of service, then $35 per day after that. This is higher than most state courts, which makes federal jury duty more valuable if you're selected for a longer trial. Federal trials also tend to be more complex and sometimes last longer than typical state court cases.

If you're summoned to federal court, the amount will be stated in your summons. Federal courts are stricter about attendance and less likely to grant exemptions, so if you receive a federal summons, plan to serve unless you have a documented hardship.

States that pay nothing for jury duty

South Dakota and Wyoming do not pay jurors for any length of service. A few other states pay only a small amount ($5 to $10 per day) regardless of how long you serve. If you live in one of these states, jury duty is an unpaid civic obligation.

Even in states with no pay, some employers choose to pay employees during jury service as a matter of company policy. Check your employee handbook or ask your HR department whether your employer covers jury duty pay.

Whether your employer has to pay you during jury duty

Federal law does not require employers to pay employees during jury duty. However, some states and a few cities have laws that protect employee pay during jury service. These protections vary widely — some states require employers to pay for the first few days, others for the entire service period, and some have no requirement at all.

If your state does not have a protection law, your employer can legally reduce your pay or dock your hours for time spent in court. Many employers choose to pay anyway as a matter of policy, but they are not legally obligated to do so. Before jury duty begins, ask your HR department or manager what your company's policy is.

How and when you receive jury duty payment

Payment methods vary by court. Some courts mail a check to your home address within two to four weeks after your service ends. Others issue payment on your final day of service. A few courts now use direct deposit or prepaid cards, though this is less common.

The summons or court website for your jurisdiction will specify the payment method. If you don't receive payment within the timeframe stated, contact the court's jury office — delays do happen, and they can reissue payment if it was lost.

Reimbursement for parking and mileage

Most courts reimburse you for parking fees if you paid to park at the courthouse. Some courts also reimburse mileage at a rate set by the court, typically $0.30 to $0.50 per mile. A few courts offer free or reduced-rate parking for jurors, so check before you pay.

Reimbursement is separate from your daily jury pay and is usually processed at the same time. Keep your parking receipts and note your mileage so you can request reimbursement when you're dismissed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to report jury duty pay as income on my taxes?

Yes, jury duty pay is taxable income and must be reported on your federal tax return. You should receive a Form 1099-MISC from the court if you earned more than $600 in a calendar year, though some courts issue this form for any amount. Check your state's tax rules as well, since some states tax jury pay and others do not.

What if I can't afford to lose the income during jury duty?

You can request a hardship exemption or postponement when you receive your summons. Courts consider financial hardship, but they require documentation — a letter from your employer stating your pay will not be covered, or proof of financial need. Hardship requests are granted more often for low-income jurors or those who are self-employed and lose income directly.

Do I get paid if I'm dismissed during jury selection?

This depends on your state and how long you were present. If you're dismissed before the end of the first unpaid day, you receive nothing. If you're dismissed after the unpaid period ends, you're typically paid for the days you served. Check your court's specific rules, as they vary.

Can I negotiate a higher payment if I'm serving on a long trial?

No, jury pay is set by state law or court rule and is not negotiable. However, if serving would cause genuine financial hardship, you can request a postponement to a time when you're better able to serve, or ask for an exemption based on hardship.

What if my employer fires me for taking jury duty?

Federal law prohibits employers from firing, threatening, or penalizing employees for jury service. If this happens, you can file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Labor or consult an employment attorney. Many states have additional protections beyond federal law.