Jury duty pay varies by court and state, and most jurors earn between $15 and $50 per day
The amount you receive for jury service depends on which court summons you, how long the trial lasts, and what state or county you live in. Federal courts typically pay more than state courts. Some courts pay nothing for the first few days, then increase the rate. A few states and counties pay nothing at all, though this is becoming less common.
Payment is not automatic — you receive it only after you serve, and the check arrives weeks or months later by mail. The court does not deposit it directly to your bank account. If you are summoned, the court paperwork will state what that specific court pays, but the amount listed is often the daily rate, not what you will take home after a full trial.
Key Takeaways
- Federal jurors earn $50 on day one and $60 per day from day two onward, with no maximum limit on how long you serve.
- State and county courts pay between $15 and $50 per day, and many pay nothing for the first one to three days of service.
- Payment arrives by check in the mail weeks after your service ends, not on the day you finish.
- Some courts reimburse parking, mileage, or childcare costs in addition to daily pay, though this varies widely by location.
- You are required to serve even if the pay is low or zero, and refusing without a valid reason can result in fines or jail time.
What federal courts pay
If you are summoned to a U.S. District Court or federal appeals court, you receive $50 for your first day of service. From day two onward, you earn $60 per day for as long as the trial continues. There is no cap on how many days you can serve or how much you can earn. Federal trials can last weeks or months, so federal jury duty can result in significantly higher total pay than state court service.
Federal courts also reimburse mileage at the current federal rate if you drive to court. Parking is usually free or validated by the courthouse. If you are a federal juror traveling more than 100 miles from your home, the court may provide a hotel room and meal allowance.
What state and county courts pay
State courts set their own pay rates, and the amount varies dramatically. Some states pay $15 per day; others pay $40 or $50. Many state courts pay nothing for the first day, nothing for the first three days, or a reduced rate for the first few days before jumping to the full rate. A small number of counties still pay jurors nothing at all, though this is rare.
To find out what your specific court pays, check the jury summons paperwork you receive — it usually lists the daily rate. If it does not, call the court's jury office directly. The phone number is on the summons. Do not assume that because a neighboring county pays $40 per day, yours does too. Each court sets its own rate.
How long you serve and when you get paid
Your total jury duty pay depends on how many days you actually sit in the jury box. If you are selected for a one-day trial, you earn one day's pay. If you are selected for a two-week trial, you earn ten business days of pay (assuming the trial runs Monday through Friday). If you are dismissed during jury selection before the trial begins, you may earn only a partial day's pay or nothing, depending on your court's rules.
Payment arrives by check in the mail, typically four to eight weeks after your service ends. Some courts take longer. You do not receive payment on the last day of trial or at the courthouse. If you need the money sooner, you cannot request early payment — you must wait for the check to arrive.
Reimbursement for expenses beyond daily pay
Many courts reimburse costs related to jury service in addition to daily pay. Mileage reimbursement is common in federal courts and some state courts; the rate is usually the federal mileage rate, which changes yearly. Parking validation or free parking is standard at most courthouses. Some courts reimburse public transportation costs if you provide a receipt.
Childcare and eldercare costs are rarely reimbursed directly, but some courts will allow you to request a postponement or exemption if jury duty would create a genuine hardship. This is not the same as payment — it means the court reschedules your service to a time when you can arrange care. Ask the jury office about postponement options when you receive your summons if childcare is a barrier.
What happens if you do not show up for jury duty
If you ignore a jury summons, the court can fine you, hold you in contempt, or issue a warrant for your arrest. Fines range from $100 to $1,000 depending on the court and whether it is your first offense. Some courts jail people who repeatedly ignore summonses, though this is uncommon. The court does not care that the pay is low — the law requires you to serve unless you have a valid reason to be excused.
If you cannot serve because of a genuine hardship — a medical condition, a pre-booked vacation, a work commitment you cannot reschedule — contact the jury office before your service date and request a postponement or exemption. Explain your situation in writing. The court may reschedule you or release you from service. Ignoring the summons and hoping the court forgets is not a strategy; courts track non-appearance and will pursue it.
Comparing jury pay across different court levels
| Court Level | Day 1 Pay | Day 2+ Pay | Maximum Daily Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Federal District Court | $50 | $60 | No cap |
| Federal Appeals Court | $50 | $60 | No cap |
| State/County Court | $0–$50 (varies) | $15–$50 (varies) | Varies by state |
Federal courts consistently pay more than state courts, and the difference compounds over a long trial. A two-week federal trial pays $50 + (9 × $60) = $590 before mileage. The same trial in a state court paying $25 per day would pay $250. If your state court pays nothing for the first three days, a two-week trial pays only $175.
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 from your check, so you may owe taxes when you file your return. If you earn a small amount, it may not push you into a higher tax bracket. Keep your jury duty check stub for your records.
Can my employer make me pay back jury duty pay?
No. Federal law prohibits employers from requiring you to return jury duty pay. Some employers pay you your regular salary while you serve, which means you keep both. Others pay nothing while you serve, so jury duty pay is your only income for those days. Either way, the jury duty pay is yours to keep.
What if the trial lasts longer than expected and I lose income?
Jury duty pay is usually much less than your regular salary. If you are self-employed or hourly, you may lose significant income. The court will not compensate you for lost wages beyond the daily jury pay. If the trial length will cause real hardship, contact the judge or jury office before trial starts and explain your situation; they may be able to reschedule you.
Do I get paid if I am dismissed during jury selection?
This depends on your court. Some courts pay a half day or full day even if you are dismissed before the trial begins. Others pay nothing if you do not sit through at least part of the trial. Check your summons or call the jury office to find out your court's policy.
When will I receive my jury duty check?
Most courts mail checks four to eight weeks after your service ends. Some take longer, especially if the trial was long or the court is backlogged. You cannot pick up the check at the courthouse or request early payment. If you do not receive it after two months, contact the jury office with your juror number and service dates.