Jury duty pay varies by state and court level, but most jurors earn between $15 and $50 per day
The amount you receive for jury duty depends on where you serve. Federal courts typically pay more than state courts, and some states pay nothing at all for the first few days. A few states — including South Carolina and North Dakota — pay jurors nothing, while others like California and New York pay $15 to $50 per day after an initial unpaid period. The court that summons you will tell you the exact rate when you receive your jury notice.
Payment usually starts on day two or day three of service, not on your first day. Some courts pay a flat daily rate; others pay by half-day or full-day increments. If your trial lasts weeks or months, many courts increase the per-diem amount after the first week or two. Federal jurors earn a set amount per day, currently around $50 for the first three days and $60 per day after that, though this amount can change.
Key Takeaways
- State courts typically pay $15 to $50 per day, while federal courts pay around $50 to $60 per day after the first three days.
- Most courts do not pay jurors for the first day or two of service, even though you must appear.
- Your jury summons will include the specific pay rate and when payment begins for your court.
- Payment is usually mailed to your address on file or deposited directly, depending on the court's system.
- Some employers are required by law to pay you your regular salary during jury duty, separate from what the court pays.
How payment timing works across different court systems
Federal courts operate on a single national pay scale. You receive no payment for your first three days of jury service. Starting on day four, you earn approximately $50 per day. After 30 days of service, the rate increases to roughly $60 per day. These amounts are set by federal law and do not vary by location, though Congress can adjust them.
State courts set their own rates, which means the amount you earn in California differs from what you earn in Texas or Massachusetts. Some state courts pay from day one; others impose a waiting period of one to three days before payment begins. A few states cap the total amount you can earn during a single trial, regardless of length. Your jury summons will specify your state's rules.
County courts within the same state sometimes pay different amounts. A county court in a rural area may pay $15 per day, while a county court in a major city pays $40 per day. The court that sends your summons is responsible for telling you the rate, so do not assume it matches what a friend earned in a different county.
What happens if your employer must pay you instead
Some states and employers have laws requiring your employer to pay your regular salary while you serve on jury duty. This is separate from what the court pays you. In these cases, you may receive both your employer's regular pay and the court's per-diem amount, or you may be required to give the court payment to your employer. The rules vary significantly by state.
If your employer is required to pay you, you typically must provide proof of your jury service — usually a letter or certificate from the court — to your payroll department. Keep any documentation the court gives you at the end of your service. Some employers will ask you to sign over your jury pay to them; others will not. Check your employee handbook or ask your HR department what your company's policy is before you receive your summons.
States that require employer payment include California, Colorado, Illinois, and New York, though the rules about how much employers must pay and for how long vary. If you work for a small business or are self-employed, these protections may not explore to you. In those cases, you rely entirely on the court's per-diem payment.
How you receive your jury duty payment
Most courts mail a check to the address on file with your jury summons. Payment typically arrives two to four weeks after your service ends. Some larger courts now offer direct deposit, which you can set up when you check in on your first day or through the court's online jury portal if one exists.
The check or deposit will be in the name of the court or the county, not in the name of an individual judge. If you do not receive payment within six weeks, contact the court's jury office with your juror number and the dates you served. They can confirm whether payment was sent and issue a replacement if needed.
Federal courts typically process payments faster than state courts. You may receive your check within two weeks of dismissal. State courts vary widely; some mail payment when ready, while others take a month or longer. Ask the jury coordinator on your last day how long payment typically takes in your court.
States with no jury duty pay
South Carolina and North Dakota do not pay jurors at all, regardless of how long you serve. A handful of other states pay only after a certain threshold — for example, some pay nothing for the first three days, then $10 to $15 per day after that. If you live in one of these states, your only compensation may come from your employer if they are required to pay you during jury service.
Even in states with no court-ordered pay, you may be reimbursed for certain expenses. Some courts reimburse parking, mileage, or meals if you are required to stay overnight. Ask the jury coordinator what, if anything, is reimbursable in your court. These reimbursements are separate from daily jury pay and are usually handled through a different process.
What to expect if your trial lasts weeks or months
Long trials are rare, but they happen. If you are selected for a trial expected to last more than two weeks, the court will tell you this during jury selection. Some courts increase the daily pay rate after the first week or two to account for the burden of extended service. Others keep the rate flat but may offer additional perks like reserved parking or a dedicated jury lounge.
Federal courts pay the same rate regardless of trial length, but you earn more total money straightforward because you serve longer. State courts vary; some increase the rate after 10 days, others after 30 days. If you are concerned about lost income from a long trial, discuss this with the judge during jury selection. Judges can excuse jurors who face genuine financial hardship, though this is not may provide.
Keep records of all dates you served. If there is a discrepancy in your payment, you will need to show the court exactly which days you appeared. The jury office uses these records to calculate your total pay.
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 depending on your total income for the year. Keep your jury payment records and report the amount on your tax return. If you receive a 1099 form from the court, attach it to your return.
What if I was not paid after my jury service ended?
Contact the court's jury office with your juror number and the dates you served. Ask them to confirm payment was mailed or deposited. If payment was sent more than six weeks ago and you have not received it, request a replacement check. Provide your current mailing address or direct deposit information so the court can resend payment correctly.
Can I refuse jury duty pay?
Yes, you can decline the payment, though most courts do not encourage it. If you wish to donate your jury pay or refuse it entirely, ask the jury coordinator how to do so. Some people donate their pay to the court's operations fund or to a charity. The process varies by court.
Does jury duty pay count toward unemployment benefits?
This depends on your state's unemployment rules. In some states, jury duty pay reduces your weekly unemployment benefit; in others, it does not. Contact your state's unemployment office before you serve to understand how jury pay will affect your benefits if you are currently receiving them.
What if I was dismissed from jury duty before the trial started?
If you were dismissed during jury selection (called "voir dire"), you typically receive payment only for the days you actually appeared in court. Some courts pay for the full day even if you are dismissed in the afternoon; others pay only for a half-day. The court will specify this when you check in on your first day.