Jury duty pay varies by court and state, but most jurors receive between $15 and $50 per day
The amount you receive for jury duty depends on which court summons you — federal courts, state courts, and county courts all set their own rates. There is no single national jury pay rate. Federal jurors typically earn more than state jurors, and longer trials usually pay more than one-day trials. Many employers are required by law to pay you your regular salary while you serve, which means your actual income loss may be zero.
The payment itself comes from the court, not your employer. You will receive a check or direct deposit after your service ends, though the timing varies by court. Some courts mail checks weeks later; others process payment within days. If your employer continues your salary during jury duty, you may owe that money back to them, depending on your employment contract — this is something to clarify with your HR department before you serve.
Key Takeaways
- Federal courts pay $50 per day for the first three days and $60 per day after that, while state and county courts typically pay $15 to $50 per day depending on location.
- Many states require employers to pay your regular salary during jury duty, which means you lose no income even if the court pays little or nothing.
- The court sends payment directly to you after service, not to your employer, and timing ranges from days to several weeks depending on the court's processing speed.
- Long trials may pay more per day or offer a flat fee, so ask the court clerk what the rate is for your specific case before you report.
- If you are self-employed or your employer does not pay during jury duty, you can request a hardship exemption from the court before your trial date.
Federal court jury pay rates
Federal courts follow a uniform pay schedule set by Congress. Jurors earn $50 per day for the first three days of service, then $60 per day for days four through ten, and $70 per day for any day after that. This applies to all federal district courts across the country. If you are selected for a federal jury and serve for two weeks, you would earn $50 + $50 + $50 + $60 + $60 + $60 + $60 + $60 + $60 + $60 (10 days) = $610 total, plus $70 for each additional day.
Federal courts also reimburse mileage and parking if you drive to the courthouse. The mileage rate changes yearly but is typically around 21 cents per mile. If you take public transportation, some federal courts reimburse the cost of your ticket. Keep receipts for any transportation costs you incur, and submit them to the court clerk when you finish service.
State and county court jury pay rates
State courts set their own rates, and they vary widely. Some states pay as little as $15 per day for the first few days, then increase the rate for longer trials. Others pay a flat $25 or $40 per day regardless of trial length. A few states, like California, pay $15 per day for the first five days, then $50 per day after that. You can find your state's rate by calling the court clerk's office listed on your summons or by visiting your state court's website.
County courts within the same state may also differ. A county court in a rural area might pay $20 per day while a county court in a major city pays $50 per day. The summons you receive should state the daily rate, but if it does not, call the clerk's office before your report date. Knowing the rate in advance helps you decide whether to request a hardship exemption if the pay would create financial strain.
How employer pay affects what you actually receive
Many states have employer pay laws that require your boss to continue paying your regular salary while you serve on a jury. These laws exist in about half of all states and typically explore to employers with a certain number of employees — often 50 or more. If your employer is covered, you keep your normal paycheck and the court also sends you its jury pay. In this case, you receive both payments.
However, some employment contracts require you to return the court's jury pay to your employer. This is legal in most states. Before you report for duty, ask your HR department whether they will continue your pay and whether you need to give them the court's check. If your employer does not pay during jury duty and the court's rate would cause hardship, you can request an exemption or postponement before your trial date by contacting the court clerk.
When and how you receive jury pay
The court sends payment to you directly, not to your employer. Payment arrives by check or direct deposit, depending on the court's system. Federal courts typically process payment within one to two weeks after you finish service. State and county courts vary — some mail checks within days, others take three to four weeks. A few courts offer direct deposit if you provide banking information when you report, which speeds up payment.
You will receive a form or receipt when you finish service that shows the number of days you served and the total amount owed. Keep this document for your records. If you do not receive payment within the timeframe the court stated, contact the clerk's office with your receipt number. Courts occasionally delay payment due to processing backlogs, but following up usually resolves the issue within a few more days.
Requesting a hardship exemption if jury pay is not enough
If jury duty would cause financial hardship — because you are self-employed, your employer does not pay during jury duty, or you are the sole earner in your household — you can request an exemption or postponement. You must request this before your trial date, not after you report. The court will not pay you extra if you claim hardship after service begins.
Contact the court clerk listed on your summons and explain your situation in writing or by phone. Provide specific details: if you are self-employed, explain that you lose income for every day you do not work. If you are a caregiver, explain that you cannot afford childcare during jury duty. Courts take these requests seriously and often postpone your service to a later date when you may be in a better position to serve, or they may exempt you entirely. Some courts also excuse jurors over a certain age or with medical conditions that make long trials difficult.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to pay taxes on jury duty pay?
Yes, jury duty pay is taxable income. The court does not withhold taxes, so you may owe money at tax time if you served for a long trial. Keep the payment receipt the court gives you and report the amount on your tax return. If you received a large payment, you might want to set aside a portion to cover the tax liability.
What if I served multiple days but only received one check?
Courts typically send one check for the entire service period, not separate checks for each day. The check amount should match the number of days you served multiplied by the daily rate. Review the receipt you received when you finished service to confirm the calculation is correct. If the amount is wrong, contact the court clerk with your receipt number.
Can I request a higher rate if the court's pay is very low?
No, the court's rate is fixed by law and does not change based on individual requests. However, if the rate would cause genuine hardship, you can request postponement or exemption before your trial date. Some courts also offer one-day or one-trial service, meaning you only serve for a single day or trial, which limits your income loss.
Do I get paid if I am dismissed from jury selection?
This depends on when you are dismissed. If you are dismissed during jury selection (called voir dire), most courts pay you for that day. If you are dismissed before you report to the courthouse, you typically receive no payment. The summons or court website should explain your court's policy. When you report, ask the clerk what you will be paid if dismissed that day.
What happens to my jury pay if I do not show up?
You receive no payment if you do not report. You also risk being held in contempt of court, which can result in fines or jail time. If you cannot serve on your scheduled date, contact the court clerk before that date and request postponement. Courts are usually willing to reschedule if you ask in advance.