Jury duty pay varies by state and county, and most jurors earn between $15 and $50 per day

The amount you receive for jury duty depends entirely on where you serve. There is no federal standard — each state sets its own rate, and counties within states often set different amounts. A juror in one county might earn $15 per day while a juror 30 miles away in another county earns $40. Some states pay nothing for the first few days, then increase the rate. Others pay a flat amount regardless of how long you serve.

The court that summons you will tell you the exact rate before you report. This information appears on your summons or on the court's website. If you do not see it, call the court clerk's office — they can give you the number in minutes.

Key Takeaways

  • Jury pay ranges from $0 per day (in some states for the first one to three days) to $50 or more per day, depending on your state and county.
  • The court that summoned you sets the rate and will provide it on your summons, on their website, or by phone.
  • Payment is issued by the court, usually by check mailed to your home address weeks after service ends.
  • You are not required to serve jury duty if you are over a certain age (often 70 or 75) or meet other hardship exemptions, though the rules vary by state.
  • Employers cannot legally punish you for serving jury duty, but they are not required to pay you during that time unless your state law says otherwise.

What the court actually pays you

Most states pay jurors somewhere between $15 and $50 per day. Some examples: California pays $15 for the first day and $40 per day after that. New York pays $15 for the first three days, then $35 per day. Texas pays $6 per day for the first three days, then $40 per day. Massachusetts pays $50 per day. These amounts change periodically, so the rate when you serve may differ from what is listed here.

A handful of states pay nothing for jury duty. In those places, service is considered a civic obligation with no compensation. A few states pay only mileage or a small flat fee instead of a daily rate. The court's summons or website will show you exactly what applies where you are.

Payment is usually issued by check and mailed to your home address. The timing varies — some courts mail checks within two weeks of your service ending, others take six to eight weeks. You will not receive payment immediately after you leave the courthouse.

How long you serve affects your total pay

A one-day trial or jury selection that lasts only a few hours still pays the full daily rate in most places. If you are dismissed during jury selection or if the case settles before trial begins, you still receive payment for showing up. Some courts have a "one day or one trial" system, meaning you serve for one day or until a trial ends, whichever is longer.

A trial lasting two weeks will pay you for ten business days (not weekends). A trial lasting six weeks will pay you for roughly 30 business days. The longer the case, the more you earn, but the rate per day stays the same. A few states increase the daily rate after a certain number of days of service — for example, paying $15 per day for days one through five, then $35 per day for day six onward.

Your employer cannot punish you, but they do not have to pay you

Federal law and the laws of all 50 states prohibit employers from firing, threatening, or punishing you for serving jury duty. This protection applies even if jury service causes your employer inconvenience or lost productivity. If your employer retaliates against you for serving, you have grounds for a legal claim.

However, your employer is not required to pay you your regular salary while you serve jury duty — unless your state law specifically says they must. Only a few states require employers to pay employees during jury service. Most do not. This means you may lose income even though you receive the court's daily payment. If jury duty will cause serious financial hardship, you can request a postponement or exemption when you receive your summons.

Requesting a postponement or exemption

If serving on the date you are summoned would create genuine hardship — such as being the sole caregiver for a child, having a medical condition, or facing financial crisis — you can request to be excused or to serve at a different time. The process varies by court. Most courts allow you to request postponement by mail, phone, or online before your service date.

Age-based exemptions exist in many states. If you are 70, 75, or older (the age varies by state), you may be automatically excused or allowed to request exemption. Some states exempt people with severe medical conditions or caregiving responsibilities. The summons will explain how to request exemption in your jurisdiction.

Courts are more likely to grant postponement than outright exemption. If you ask to serve in three months instead of next week, the court often approves. If you ask to be excused entirely, the court may deny the request unless you meet a specific exemption category.

Mileage reimbursement and other expenses

In addition to daily pay, most courts reimburse mileage or provide a parking allowance. The mileage rate is typically between $0.30 and $0.50 per mile, though some courts pay a flat parking fee instead. A few courts provide free parking or do not reimburse mileage at all. The summons or court website will state what your court offers.

Courts do not reimburse meals, childcare, or lost wages beyond the daily jury pay. If you incur these costs, they are your responsibility. Some employers voluntarily pay employees during jury duty, but this is not required by law in most states.

How to find out your specific court's rate

The fastest way to learn your jury pay rate is to look at the summons you received — it usually lists the amount. If the summons does not include it, visit your court's website and search for "jury duty pay" or "juror compensation." Most state and county court websites have this information in a FAQ or juror information section.

If you cannot find it online, call the court clerk's office. Have your summons number ready. The clerk can tell you the daily rate, when payment is issued, and whether mileage is reimbursed. This call takes five minutes and removes any uncertainty before you report for service.

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 tax return. The court does not withhold taxes from jury payments, so you may owe taxes when you file. If you serve for an extended period and earn a significant amount, you might want to set aside money for taxes or make estimated tax payments.

What if I am not paid after my service ends?

Contact the court clerk's office and provide your juror number and service dates. Courts sometimes mail checks to the wrong address or experience delays. The clerk can verify whether your check was issued and reissue it if necessary. If there is a genuine error, the court will correct it.

Can I refuse jury duty to avoid losing income?

Ignoring a summons can result in fines or contempt of court charges. If jury duty would cause serious financial hardship, request postponement or exemption when you receive the summons instead of ignoring it. Courts are more sympathetic to requests made in advance than to no-shows.

Does jury pay count toward unemployment benefits?

This varies by state. Some states count jury pay as income and reduce unemployment benefits accordingly. Others do not. Contact your state's unemployment office to learn how jury pay affects your benefits if you are currently receiving them.

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

Courts typically do not issue tax forms for jury duty pay. You are responsible for reporting it as income on your tax return. Keep your court payment records and any documentation of the amount paid. If you have questions about how to report it, consult a tax professional or the IRS.