Jury duty pay is set by the court system, not your employer, and the amount varies widely by state and county

When you serve on a jury, the court pays you directly — not your employer. The payment comes from the judicial system and is typically modest: many states pay between $15 and $50 per day for the first few days, then less or nothing after that. Some counties pay nothing at all for the first day. The exact amount depends on which state you live in, which county court summons you, and how long your service lasts.

You receive jury duty pay as a separate check or direct deposit from the court, usually weeks after your service ends. This is different from asking your employer to pay you while you're away — that's a conversation between you and your workplace, and many employers do pay employees during jury duty even though they're not legally required to in most states.

The payment is considered taxable income, so you may receive a 1099 form at the end of the year if you served on multiple juries or earned more than a certain threshold.

Key Takeaways

  • Jury duty pay comes from the court system and ranges from $0 to $50 per day depending on your state and county, with lower or no pay after the first few days.
  • You receive payment directly from the court weeks after service ends, not from your employer.
  • Some employers pay you during jury duty as a benefit, but they are not required to do so in most states.
  • Jury duty income is taxable and may result in a 1099 form if you earn over a certain amount.
  • You can request a postponement or exemption from jury duty if the timing creates financial hardship, though courts rarely excuse you entirely.

How much you actually receive depends on your state and how long you serve

Payment schedules differ significantly. Some states pay $15 per day for days one through three, then $25 per day after that. Others pay $50 per day from the start. A few states pay nothing for the first day, then $15 to $25 per day for subsequent days. Some rural counties pay $10 per day or less.

The length of service also matters. If you're dismissed after jury selection (called "voir dire"), you may receive payment for only one day. If you serve a full two-week trial, you'll receive payment for each day you appear, though the daily rate may drop after a certain point — often day four or five.

You can find your specific state and county's jury pay rate by searching "[your state] jury duty pay" or calling the court clerk's office. The court that summons you will also include payment information in your jury summons letter.

When you'll receive the payment and how it arrives

Courts typically mail jury duty checks 4 to 8 weeks after your service ends. Some courts now offer direct deposit, which is faster, but you usually have to request it when you check in on your first day of service. Ask the jury coordinator or check-in desk whether direct deposit is an option.

The check will come from the court or the county treasurer's office, not from a private payroll company. If you don't receive payment within 8 weeks, contact the court clerk's office with your juror number (printed on your summons) and the dates you served. Courts sometimes delay payment if paperwork is incomplete or if you were dismissed before the trial ended.

If you move before receiving your check, the court may not have your new address. Update your address with the court clerk if you know you'll be relocating soon after service.

What to do if jury duty creates financial hardship

If serving on a jury would cause genuine financial difficulty — for example, you're self-employed and lose income, or you're the sole caregiver for a dependent — you can request postponement or exemption when you receive your summons. Courts rarely excuse you entirely, but they often allow you to postpone to a time that works better.

Write a brief letter explaining the hardship and mail it to the court clerk's office before your summons date. Include your juror number and the date you're summoned. Be specific: "I am self-employed and will lose $300 per day in income" is more persuasive than "jury duty is inconvenient." Courts understand that jury duty creates real costs, especially for hourly workers and the self-employed.

Some courts also allow you to request exemption on the day you report. Speak to the judge or jury coordinator before jury selection begins if your circumstances have changed since you received the summons.

Whether your employer must pay you during jury duty

Most states do not require employers to pay you while you serve on a jury. However, many employers do pay as a matter of policy or employee benefit. Check your employee handbook or ask your HR department whether your company pays during jury duty.

If your employer does pay, you typically receive your regular salary or hourly wage from them, and you also receive the court's jury duty payment. This means you're paid twice — once by your employer and once by the court. You don't have to choose between them or return one payment.

If your employer does not pay and you're concerned about lost income, mention this when you request postponement. Some courts will move your service to a time when you have scheduled time off, or they may excuse you if the hardship is severe enough.

Jury duty pay and your taxes

Jury duty income is taxable. If you earn $600 or more in jury duty pay during a calendar year, the court will send you a Form 1099-MISC in January. You report this income on your tax return.

If you earn less than $600, you still owe tax on the income, but the court won't send a 1099. Keep your jury duty check stubs or bank records as proof of the income in case you're audited.

You cannot deduct jury duty pay or claim it as a loss. However, if you had to pay for parking, meals, or transportation to the courthouse out of pocket, you may be able to deduct those expenses if they're not reimbursed by the court. Keep receipts and check IRS rules or consult a tax professional about what qualifies.

What happens if you don't show up for jury duty

If you ignore a jury summons, the court can hold you in contempt and fine you. Fines typically range from $100 to $1,000, depending on the state and judge. The court may also issue a bench warrant for your arrest if you ignore multiple summons.

If you have a legitimate reason you cannot attend — a medical emergency, a death in the family, a pre-planned trip you can't change — contact the court clerk's office when ready and explain. Courts are usually willing to reschedule you if you communicate before your summons date.

If you're summoned and cannot attend, do not straightforward ignore it. Call the court or send a letter explaining why you cannot serve, and request postponement to a future date.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I get paid for jury selection even if I'm not chosen?

Yes. You're paid for the day you report and participate in jury selection (voir dire), even if you're dismissed before the trial begins. The payment is typically one day's rate, which may be lower than the rate for trial days depending on your state.

Can I request a check instead of direct deposit?

Yes. If your court offers direct deposit, you can decline it and request a mailed check instead. Ask the jury coordinator on your first day of service, or contact the court clerk's office before you're summoned if you want to know the options in advance.

What if I was on a jury that lasted three weeks?

You'll be paid for each day you served, but the daily rate may decrease after a certain number of days — often day four or five. For example, you might earn $50 per day for days one through three, then $25 per day for days four through twenty-one. Check your state's jury pay schedule to see the exact breakdown.

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

Yes. All jury duty income is taxable, even amounts under $600. The court won't send you a 1099 if you earn less than $600, but you still owe tax on the income and should report it on your tax return. Keep your check stubs as proof.

Can I be fired for serving on a jury?

No. Federal law and most state laws prohibit employers from firing, threatening, or penalizing you for jury service. If your employer retaliates against you for serving, you may have grounds for a lawsuit. Document any negative treatment and consult an employment attorney if you believe you've been retaliated against.