Most jurors receive payment, but the amount varies widely by court and state

Yes, you are paid for jury duty in most U.S. courts, but the payment is usually modest. A typical juror receives between $15 and $50 per day, though some courts pay nothing for the first few days and others pay substantially more. Federal courts tend to pay better than state courts. The exact amount depends on which court system calls you, how long your service lasts, and whether you serve in a criminal or civil case — the type of case does not affect pay, but the court level does.

Payment is not automatic. The court must process your payment after your service ends, which typically takes one to four weeks. Some courts mail a check; others deposit funds directly to your bank account if you provided that information during jury selection. A few courts still require you to pick up your check in person, though this is becoming less common.

Key Takeaways

  • Federal jurors earn $50 per day for the first three days, then $50 per day for days four through ten, and $60 per day after that, with no maximum.
  • State court jurors typically earn $15 to $50 per day, and many states pay nothing or a token amount for the first one to three days.
  • Your employer cannot legally punish you for taking time off for jury duty, even if the court does not pay you.
  • Payment arrives by check or direct deposit two to four weeks after your service ends, not on the day you finish.
  • You do not report jury duty pay on your tax return — it is not taxable income.

What federal courts pay

If you are called to federal court, the pay structure is set by federal law and is the same across all U.S. District Courts. You receive $50 per day for each of the first three days you serve. From day four through day ten, you continue to earn $50 per day. After ten days, the rate increases to $60 per day for as long as you serve. There is no cap on how much you can earn, so a juror on a three-month trial will earn substantially more than one on a one-week case.

Federal courts also reimburse mileage if you drive to court. The reimbursement rate changes yearly but is typically around 67 cents per mile. If you use public transportation, some federal courts reimburse the cost of your ticket. Parking fees are sometimes reimbursed as well, though this varies by courthouse location. You will need to submit receipts or a mileage log to receive these reimbursements.

What state courts pay

State court pay varies dramatically. Some states pay as little as $0 for the first day and $15 per day after that. Others pay $25 to $50 per day from the start. A few states, including California and New York, pay $15 per day for the first few days, then increase the rate for longer trials. Texas pays $6 per day for the first three days, then $40 per day after that. You can find your state's specific rate by contacting the court that summoned you or checking your jury summons paperwork, which often lists the payment amount.

Some state courts do not pay jurors at all, particularly for short trials or jury duty that lasts only one or two days. This is legal. However, your employer is still required by law to allow you time off without penalty, even if the court does not pay you. A few states have passed laws requiring employers to pay employees for jury duty, but most do not — the burden falls on the court system, not your workplace.

When you receive your payment

Courts do not pay you on the day you finish serving. Payment processing takes time. Most courts mail a check two to four weeks after your service ends. Some courts now offer direct deposit, which is faster — if you provided banking information during jury selection, ask the court clerk whether direct deposit is available and whether your payment has been set up that way.

If you do not receive payment within four weeks, contact the court's jury office. Payments do occasionally get lost in the mail or delayed due to court processing backlogs. Keep your jury summons and any paperwork the court gave you on your last day, as you may need it to track down a missing payment. The court can issue a replacement check if the original was lost.

Jury duty pay and your taxes

Jury duty pay is not taxable income. You do not report it on your federal tax return, and you do not owe income tax on it. This applies to all jury duty pay — federal, state, or local. The IRS treats jury duty compensation as a civic duty payment rather than wages or income.

If you received a Form 1099 from a court (which is rare but does happen), do not report it. Courts are not supposed to issue 1099s for jury duty pay. If you received one, contact the court's jury office and ask them to issue a corrected form or a letter stating that jury duty pay is not taxable.

What happens if you lose income while serving

If the court's payment is less than what you normally earn, you cannot recover the difference from the court. However, some employers voluntarily pay employees their regular salary while they serve on jury duty, even though they are not required to do so. Check your employee handbook or ask your HR department whether your employer has this policy.

If jury duty creates genuine financial hardship, you can request to be excused or postponed when you receive your summons. Courts have discretion to excuse jurors who can demonstrate that service would cause severe financial strain. You will need to explain your situation in writing or in person during jury selection. The judge decides whether to grant your request.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

It depends on your court. Federal courts pay you for the day you appear, even if you are dismissed before the trial begins. Many state courts do the same, but some do not pay for partial days. Check your summons or call the court's jury office to find out your specific court's policy.

Can my employer punish me for taking time off for jury duty?

No. Federal law and the laws of all 50 states prohibit employers from firing, threatening, or penalizing an employee for serving on jury duty. This protection applies even if the court does not pay you. If your employer retaliates, you may have grounds for a lawsuit.

What if I have to miss work for a long trial?

You are still protected from retaliation, but you will not be paid by your employer unless they have a policy to do so. Some employers continue to pay salary during jury duty; most do not. If the trial is expected to last weeks or months, you can request postponement or excusal when you receive your summons by explaining the financial hardship.

Do I have to report jury duty pay to my employer?

No. Jury duty pay is your personal income and is not reported to your employer. You do not need to give your employer a copy of your jury payment or tell them how much you earned.

What if the court loses my payment?

Contact the jury office at the court that paid you. Provide your juror number and the date you completed service. The court can issue a replacement check or confirm whether your payment was mailed. Keep records of your service in case you need to prove you served.