Yes, most jurors are paid, but the amount varies widely by court and state

You will receive payment for jury duty in most U.S. courts, but how much depends on where you serve and how long the trial lasts. Federal courts, state courts, and local courts all set their own pay rates. Some courts pay $15 to $25 per day for the first few days, then increase the amount if you serve longer. Other courts pay a flat rate regardless of length. A few courts pay nothing at all, though this is becoming rare.

Payment typically starts on your first day of service, whether you sit in a trial or wait in the jury pool. The court will either mail you a check after your service ends or pay you on your last day. Some courts now offer direct deposit if you provide banking information when you report.

Key Takeaways

  • Most courts pay jurors between $15 and $50 per day, with longer trials often paying more per day as service continues.
  • Federal courts generally pay more than state and local courts, and payment rates vary significantly by state and county.
  • You will be told the pay rate when you receive your jury summons or when you check in on your first day.
  • Payment comes by check or direct deposit after your service ends, not before you report to court.
  • Some employers are required by law to pay you your regular salary while you serve, separate from what the court pays.

How much different courts pay

Federal district courts typically pay the most. Jurors in federal court usually receive $50 per day for the first three days, then $60 per day after that, though these amounts can shift based on the specific court. Some federal courts adjust payment annually.

State courts vary by state. In some states, jurors earn $15 to $30 per day for the first week, then $40 to $50 per day if the trial continues. In others, the rate stays flat at $25 per day for the entire service. A handful of states still pay nothing or only a few dollars per day, though legislatures in those states have been moving toward higher rates in recent years.

Local and municipal courts—which handle traffic violations, small claims, and misdemeanors—typically pay the least, often $15 to $25 per day. You can find your specific court's rate by calling the court clerk's office or checking the court's website when you receive your summons.

When you get paid and how

Payment timing depends on the court. Most courts mail a check to your address on file within two to four weeks after your service ends. Some courts hand you a check on your last day of service. A growing number of courts offer direct deposit, which is faster—you would provide your bank account information when you check in, and the payment would arrive within one to two weeks.

You will not receive payment before you serve. The court needs to confirm your attendance and the number of days you actually sat before processing payment. If you are dismissed from the jury pool before being seated in a trial, you may still be paid for the time you spent waiting, depending on the court's policy.

What your employer must pay you

Many states have laws requiring employers to pay you your regular salary 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 10 days of jury service per year. Others require payment for only the first few days. Some states have no such requirement at all.

If your state has an employer-pay law, you receive both your regular paycheck from your employer and the court's jury payment. The court payment is separate and does not reduce what your employer owes you. You should check your state's law or ask your employer's human resources department whether you are covered. If you are unsure, the court clerk can tell you what your state requires.

Self-employed people and those whose employers do not have to pay them will receive only the court's payment. This is one reason why jury duty can create financial hardship for some people, and why some courts have begun raising their pay rates.

Hardship and pay adjustments

If jury duty would cause you serious financial hardship, you can request to be excused or postponed when you receive your summons. Courts consider requests from people whose income depends entirely on daily work, people caring for dependents with no childcare alternative, and people facing other documented hardships. Requesting postponement is often easier than requesting to be excused—the court may move your service to a later date when your situation has changed.

Some courts have also created hardship pay programs. If you are selected for a long trial and can show that the court's standard pay rate would cause hardship, you may be able to request additional payment. This is not automatic and varies by court, so ask the judge or court staff on your first day if such a program exists.

Reimbursement for expenses

Courts typically reimburse parking and mileage if you drive to court, though the amount varies. Some courts reimburse at the federal mileage rate (which changes yearly), while others pay a flat amount per day. A few courts do not reimburse mileage at all but do reimburse parking. You usually need to submit receipts or a mileage log after your service ends.

Meal reimbursement is less common. Some courts provide a meal voucher or reimburse you for lunch if you are sequestered (kept overnight during a trial). Most courts do not reimburse meals for regular daily service. Ask the court clerk when you receive your summons whether reimbursement is available for parking or mileage.

What happens if you do not show up

If you ignore a jury summons, the court can fine you or hold you in contempt. Fines typically range from $100 to $1,000, depending on the court and state. Repeated failure to appear can result in higher fines or even jail time, though courts rarely pursue this for a first offense.

If you have a genuine reason you cannot serve, contact the court before your service date and request postponement or to be excused. Courts are usually willing to work with you if you communicate in advance. Ignoring the summons entirely is what creates legal consequences.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I get paid if I am dismissed from the jury pool before a trial starts?

It depends on the court. Most courts pay you for the time you spent in the jury pool waiting to be selected, even if you are dismissed before being seated. Some courts only pay if you are actually seated on a jury. Call your court clerk to ask about their specific policy before your service date.

Can I negotiate a higher payment if jury duty will hurt my finances?

You cannot negotiate directly with the court, but you can request hardship consideration. When you receive your summons, you can request postponement to a better time or ask to be excused. If you are selected for a long trial, you can ask the judge whether the court has a hardship pay program. Courts have discretion to adjust pay in cases of documented financial hardship.

Will I owe taxes on jury duty pay?

Yes, jury duty pay is taxable income and should be reported on your tax return. The court will not send you a 1099 form unless you earn over a certain threshold (usually $600 per year), but you are still required to report it. Keep your jury payment documentation for your records.

What if my employer fires me for serving on jury duty?

It is illegal in all 50 states for an employer to fire, threaten, or punish you for serving on jury duty. If this happens, you may have grounds for a wrongful termination lawsuit. Document what happened and contact your state's labor department or an employment attorney for guidance.

Do I have to report jury pay to government benefits programs?

Jury duty pay may affect means-tested benefits like unemployment, food information, or housing support, depending on the program and your state. If you receive any government benefits, contact the program administrator before you serve to ask whether jury pay will be counted as income and whether it will reduce your benefits.