Most jurors receive no payment, but some courts pay a small daily fee after a set number of days

Whether you get paid for jury duty depends on which court system you serve in and how long you serve. Federal courts and most state courts do not pay jurors for the first few days — typically the first day or first three days are unpaid. After that threshold, payment begins, but the amount is small: federal jurors earn $50 per day for days 4 through 10, then $100 per day after day 10. State courts vary widely; some pay nothing at all, while others pay $15 to $50 per day after an initial unpaid period.

Your employer may be required by law to pay you during jury duty, which is separate from what the court pays. Federal law and the laws of most states prohibit employers from firing you for serving on a jury, but only a handful of states require employers to continue paying your salary. If your employer does not have to pay you and the court does not pay you, you receive nothing for your time.

Key Takeaways

  • Federal courts pay $50 per day starting on day 4 of service, and $100 per day after day 10; the first three days are unpaid.
  • State court payment varies by state and sometimes by county — some courts pay nothing, while others pay $15 to $50 per day after an initial unpaid period.
  • Your employer is protected by law from firing you for jury duty in all 50 states, but only a few states require employers to keep paying you during service.
  • You should ask the court clerk or check the jury summons for the specific payment rules in your jurisdiction before your service date.
  • If you face financial hardship from jury duty, you can request postponement or dismissal when you respond to your summons.

How federal court payment works

If you are summoned to federal court, you will not be paid for your first three days of service. Starting on day 4, the court pays you $50 per day. Once you reach day 11, the rate increases to $100 per day. This applies whether you are in jury selection, serving on a trial, or waiting in the jury pool.

Federal courts mail payment by check after your service ends. The amount is small enough that it rarely covers lost wages, especially for people in higher-paying jobs. Many federal jurors serve for only a few days, which means they receive little or no payment at all.

State court payment varies by location

State courts set their own jury payment rules, so what you receive depends on which state you live in and sometimes which county. Some states pay nothing — jurors serve without compensation. Others pay a flat fee per day, ranging from $15 to $50, though many states impose an unpaid period first (commonly one to three days). A few states increase the daily rate after a certain number of days, similar to the federal system.

You can find your state's rules by searching "[your state] jury duty pay" or by calling the court clerk listed on your summons. The jury summons itself often includes payment information, though it may be brief. If the summons does not say, the clerk can tell you the exact amount and when payment begins.

What your employer must and must not do

Federal law and the laws of all 50 states prohibit employers from firing, threatening, or punishing you for serving on a jury. This protection applies whether you serve for one day or several weeks. Your employer cannot dock your pay, demote you, or retaliate in any other way because you answered a jury summons or showed up to court.

However, most states do not require employers to continue paying your salary during jury duty. Only a handful of states — including California, Illinois, and New York — require employers to pay employees for a limited number of jury days (often the first few days). In most other states, your employer can legally stop paying you the moment you leave for court, even though they cannot fire you for going.

If your employer retaliates against you for jury service, you can file a complaint with your state's labor department or attorney general's office. Document the retaliation — dates, what was said, any changes to your pay or schedule — and report it as soon as possible.

How to request postponement or dismissal if jury duty creates hardship

If serving on a jury would cause you serious financial hardship, you can request to postpone your service to a later date or ask to be dismissed. When you receive a summons, look for a form or phone number to contact the court. Most courts allow you to request postponement online, by phone, or by mail.

Explain your situation clearly: if you are the sole earner in your household, if you cannot afford to lose income, or if you have caregiving responsibilities that cannot be rescheduled. Courts are more likely to grant postponement than dismissal. Postponement moves your service to a date when your circumstances may be different. Dismissal removes you from the jury pool entirely, which courts grant only in cases of genuine hardship or undue burden.

Do not ignore a jury summons. Failure to respond can result in fines or a contempt of court charge. If you cannot serve on the scheduled date, contact the court before that date arrives.

Reimbursement for expenses beyond daily pay

Courts typically reimburse you for parking and mileage if you drive to court, though the amount varies. Some courts cover parking fees automatically; others require you to submit receipts. Mileage reimbursement is usually calculated at a set rate per mile (often lower than the federal mileage rate). You may need to fill out a form and provide documentation.

Meals, childcare, and other indirect costs are not reimbursed by the court. This is one reason why jury duty can be financially difficult for people with low incomes or inflexible work situations. If you incur these costs, you cannot recover them from the court.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I get paid if I am dismissed during jury selection?

In federal court, you are paid for the day you appear, even if you are dismissed during jury selection before the trial begins. In state courts, payment rules vary — some courts pay for the day of selection, others do not. Check your summons or call the court clerk to confirm the rule in your jurisdiction.

What if I am on a jury for several weeks?

Federal jurors earn $50 per day for days 4–10 and $100 per day after day 10. A two-week trial would pay roughly $600 to $700 in federal court. State court payment depends on your state's rules. The court pays you by check after service ends, not during the trial.

Can my employer require me to use vacation days during jury duty?

This varies by state. Some states prohibit employers from requiring you to use paid time off for jury duty; others allow it. Check your state's law or ask your employer's HR department. If your state prohibits it and your employer requires it anyway, you can file a complaint with your state labor department.

What happens if I cannot afford to lose income during jury duty?

Contact the court before your service date and request postponement to a time when your financial situation is better, or explain your hardship and ask for dismissal. Courts understand that jury duty can be a financial burden and will consider your circumstances. Do not simply ignore the summons.

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

Yes, jury duty pay is taxable income and must be reported on your federal tax return. The court will not send you a tax form unless you earn over a certain threshold, but you are still required to report it. Keep any payment documentation the court provides.