Jury duty pay varies by state and court level, and most jurors earn between $15 and $50 per day

The amount you receive for jury service depends on which court system calls you — federal courts, state courts, and local courts all set their own rates. There is no single national jury pay standard. A federal juror might earn $50 per day while a juror in a nearby county court earns $15 per day for the same week of service. Some states pay nothing for the first few days, then increase the rate. Others pay a flat amount regardless of how long the trial lasts.

Payment also depends on how long you serve. A one-day jury duty assignment pays less than a two-week trial. Many courts pay you only for days you actually sit in court, not for days you wait in the jury pool. If you are dismissed during jury selection, you may receive only a single day's pay or nothing at all, depending on your jurisdiction.

The court that summons you will tell you the pay rate in your summons letter or on the court's website. If the amount is not listed, call the court clerk's office — they can give you the exact figure for your location and court level before you report.

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, though this amount has not changed since 1992.
  • State and local court pay ranges from $0 to $50 per day depending on your location and how long you serve.
  • Most courts pay you only for days you actually sit in the courtroom, not for time spent waiting in the jury pool.
  • You receive your payment by check or direct deposit after your service ends, typically within two to four weeks.
  • Jury duty pay is taxable income and you may receive a 1099 form if you earn more than $600 in a single year from jury service.

Federal court jury pay rates

If you are summoned to a federal district court, the U.S. Courts system sets a uniform pay rate across all federal courts nationwide. Federal jurors earn $50 per day for the first three days of service, $50 per day for days four through ten, and $60 per day for any day after that. This rate applies whether you sit on a criminal trial, a civil case, or a grand jury.

Federal courts pay you only for days you are actually in the courtroom. If you report to the courthouse but are dismissed before jury selection begins, you receive $50 for that single day. If you sit through jury selection but are not chosen, you still receive payment for the day you appeared. However, if you are excused before reporting — for example, because the case settles — you typically receive nothing.

The federal rate has remained unchanged since 1992. Congress would need to pass legislation to increase it, which has not happened despite inflation over the past three decades.

State and local court pay varies widely

State courts and county courts set their own jury pay rates, and the amounts differ significantly. Some states pay $15 to $25 per day for all jury service. Others pay nothing for the first one to three days, then increase to $25 to $50 per day after that. A few states pay $0 for jury duty entirely, though this is uncommon.

Local municipal courts — which handle traffic violations, small claims, and misdemeanors — often pay less than state district courts. A municipal court in one county might pay $15 per day while a state court in the same county pays $40 per day. The court that summons you will specify the rate in your summons letter or on the court's website.

Some states increase pay based on length of service. For example, a state might pay $20 per day for days one through five, then $30 per day for days six and beyond. Others pay a flat rate regardless of duration. Call the court clerk if your summons does not list the rate.

When you get paid and how

Courts typically mail you a check two to four weeks after your jury service ends. Some courts now offer direct deposit, which you can set up when you report for duty or sometimes when you receive your summons. Ask the court clerk about direct deposit options when you call to confirm the pay rate.

If your service lasts only one day, you may receive your check within one to two weeks. If you serve on a long trial lasting several weeks, the court may issue multiple checks — one for each week or one for the entire service period. Check with the court clerk about their payment schedule before you report.

Do not expect payment on the day you are dismissed or when the trial ends. Courts process jury payments through their accounting departments, which takes time. If you do not receive your check within six weeks, contact the court clerk's office with your juror number.

Jury duty pay and your taxes

Jury duty pay is taxable income. You must report it on your federal tax return for the year you received it. The court does not withhold taxes from your jury payment, so you will owe taxes on the full amount when you file.

If you earn $600 or more in jury duty pay in a single calendar year, the court will send you a Form 1099-MISC in January of the following year. You will use this form to report the income on your tax return. If you earn less than $600, the court typically does not issue a 1099, but you still must report the income.

Keep your jury payment check or direct deposit receipt as proof of income. If you receive a 1099 and the amount is incorrect, contact the court clerk when ready to request a corrected form.

What jury duty pay does not cover

Jury duty pay covers only the time you sit in court. It does not reimburse you for parking, meals, childcare, or lost wages beyond the daily rate the court pays. If jury duty causes you financial hardship — for example, you lose more in wages than the court pays you — you can request a hardship excuse before your service date. However, requesting an excuse does not may provide the court will grant it.

Some employers pay employees their full salary while on jury duty, which means you receive both your regular paycheck and jury pay. Other employers pay nothing. Check your employee handbook or ask your human resources department about your company's jury duty policy before you report.

If you are self-employed, jury duty pay does not replace the income you lose from your business. You will need to decide whether the court's daily rate justifies closing your business for the duration of the trial.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Yes, you receive payment for the day you reported and participated in jury selection, even if you are not chosen for the trial. Federal courts pay $50 for that day. State and local courts vary — some pay a full day's rate, others pay a reduced amount. The court will tell you the rate when you report.

What if I am on the jury pool but never called to a courtroom?

This depends on your court's rules. Some courts pay you for each day you wait in the jury pool, even if you are never called to sit on a trial. Others pay you only if you are called to a courtroom. Call the court clerk before your service date to ask whether waiting time is paid.

Can I deduct jury duty expenses on my taxes?

No. Jury duty pay is income, not a reimbursement. You cannot deduct parking, meals, or transportation costs related to jury service. However, if you are self-employed, you may be able to deduct lost business income as a business expense — consult a tax professional about your specific situation.

Do I have to report jury pay if I earned less than $600?

Yes. Even if the court does not send you a 1099 form, you must report all jury duty income on your tax return. The $600 threshold only determines whether the court issues a 1099 — it does not determine whether you owe taxes on the income.

What happens if the trial is longer than expected and I serve extra weeks?

You are paid for each day you actually serve, regardless of how long the trial lasts. If the trial extends beyond the original estimate, you continue to receive the daily rate for each additional day. The court will issue your payment after the trial ends, which may take several weeks.