Juror pay is set by state and federal law, not by the court or judge
Juror compensation varies by jurisdiction. The federal government pays jurors a flat rate that starts at $50 per day for the first three days of service, then $100 per day after that. State courts set their own rates, which range from as low as $15 per day in some states to $50 or more in others. Some states pay nothing for the first few days, then increase the rate for longer trials. A few states pay nothing at all.
The payment is issued by the court after your service ends, not during it. You typically receive a check by mail within two to four weeks, though some courts now offer direct deposit. The amount you receive depends entirely on how many days you actually serve—if you are dismissed on day one, you receive one day's pay.
Juror pay is separate from any employer compensation. Many employers continue to pay employees during jury duty, but they are not required to do so by law. The court's payment to you does not change based on what your employer pays you.
Key Takeaways
- Federal jurors earn $50 per day for days one through three, then $100 per day after that; state rates vary widely and are set by individual state legislatures.
- Payment is issued after your service ends, usually by check or direct deposit within two to four weeks.
- You are paid only for the days you actually serve in court; dismissal on day one means one day's pay.
- Your employer is not required by law to pay you during jury duty, and court pay does not replace employer pay if your employer chooses to continue it.
How federal juror pay breaks down by length of service
Federal courts use a tiered system. For the first three days of jury duty, you receive $50 per day. Starting on day four, the rate jumps to $100 per day. This structure applies whether you serve on a trial that lasts one week or several months.
The $50 and $100 figures have not changed since 1992, so they do not adjust for inflation or regional cost differences. A juror in New York City receives the same federal rate as a juror in rural Montana. If you serve a long trial—say, six weeks—you would receive $150 (three days at $50) plus $2,100 (21 days at $100), totaling $2,250 before any taxes.
Federal jurors also receive a mileage reimbursement for travel to the courthouse. The rate is set annually and is currently around 21 cents per mile, though this changes each year. You must submit mileage claims separately from your jury duty payment.
State court pay rates and how they differ
State legislatures set juror pay independently, so rates vary significantly. Some states pay $15 to $25 per day regardless of trial length. Others use a tiered system similar to federal courts, paying less for the first few days and more after that. A handful of states—including South Dakota and some others—pay jurors nothing at all, though they may reimburse mileage or parking.
A few states have raised their rates in recent years. California pays $15 per day for the first five days, then $50 per day after that. New York pays $15 per day for the first three days, then $30 per day for days four through thirty, then $50 per day after thirty days. Texas pays $6 per day for the first three days, then $40 per day after that. These rates are set by state law and change only when the legislature votes to update them.
To find your state's rate, contact your local court clerk or visit your state court's website. The rate applies to all trials in that state's court system, whether the case is criminal or civil.
When you receive your payment and what form it takes
Courts do not pay jurors during service. Payment is processed after you are dismissed or the trial ends. The timeline varies by court, but most jurors receive payment within two to four weeks. Some courts mail a check; others offer direct deposit if you provide banking information during jury selection or orientation.
If you do not receive payment within six weeks, contact the court clerk's office. Provide your juror number (printed on your summons or given to you on the first day) and the dates you served. The clerk can confirm whether payment was issued and, if so, whether it was mailed or deposited.
Juror pay is subject to federal income tax. The court does not withhold taxes automatically, so you may owe tax on the amount when you file your return. Some jurors receive a 1099-MISC form reporting the payment; others do not. Either way, the income is taxable.
Whether your employer must pay you during jury duty
Federal law does not require employers to pay employees during jury duty. Some employers continue regular pay; others reduce pay to match the court's rate; others pay nothing. This is entirely up to the employer's policy.
A few states have passed laws protecting employees from being fired or penalized for jury service, but these laws do not require the employer to pay you. They only protect your job. If your employer has a jury duty policy, it should be in your employee handbook or available from human resources.
If you are concerned about lost income during a long trial, you can request to be excused from jury duty before the trial begins. Courts sometimes grant these requests if you can show financial hardship. The request must be made in writing and submitted before jury selection starts.
Mileage and parking reimbursement
Federal courts reimburse mileage at the rate set by the General Services Administration, which changes annually. You must submit a mileage claim form, available from the court clerk, with the number of miles you drove to the courthouse each day. Reimbursement is issued separately from your jury duty payment.
Some state courts also reimburse mileage; others do not. A few courts cover parking fees if you park in a lot designated by the court. Ask the court clerk on your first day whether mileage and parking reimbursement are available and what form you need to submit.
Mileage reimbursement is not taxable income, so you do not report it on your tax return. Keep receipts or a log of your mileage in case the court requests documentation.
What happens if you are dismissed early or serve on a short trial
You are paid only for the days you actually serve. If you report for jury selection and are dismissed the same day without being seated on a jury, you receive one day's pay. If you are seated on a trial that lasts two days, you receive two days' pay. There is no minimum payment beyond the days served.
Some courts require jurors to report for a full week even if they are dismissed early. In those cases, you may receive pay for the full week regardless of when you are dismissed. Ask the court clerk on your first day whether this applies to your court.
If you are called for jury duty but do not show up, you receive no payment. You may also face a fine or contempt charge, depending on your jurisdiction.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to pay taxes on juror pay?
Yes. Juror compensation is taxable income at the federal level and in most states. The court does not withhold taxes, so you may owe when you file your return. Keep records of the amount paid and the dates you served.
Can I request a higher payment if jury duty causes me financial hardship?
No. The court cannot increase your pay rate. You can request to be excused from duty before the trial starts if you can demonstrate financial hardship, but this must be done in writing and submitted before jury selection begins.
What if my employer fires me for serving on jury duty?
Federal law prohibits employers from firing you for jury service. Some states have additional protections. If you are fired, contact your state labor department or an employment attorney. Keep documentation of your jury service and the termination.
Do I get paid if I am on a jury but the case settles before trial?
Yes. You are paid for each day you report to court and are available for duty, even if the case settles or is dismissed before opening statements. You receive payment for the days you actually served.
How do I claim my mileage reimbursement?
Ask the court clerk for a mileage reimbursement form on your first day of service. Fill it out with the number of miles you drove each day, submit it before you leave, and the court will process it separately from your jury duty payment.