California pays jurors $15 per day starting on the second day of service; the first day is unpaid by the court. Mileage is reimbursed at $0.34 per mile (one-way). Employers are not required by law to pay employees for jury service, though they must provide time off and are prohibited from retaliating or firing employees for serving.
⚡ California Jury Duty Pay — Quick Facts
If you've just pulled a jury summons out of your mailbox, you’re likely asking the same question every other Californian does: "How much is this going to cost me?" Between the price of gas, the nightmare of LA or SF parking, and potentially losing a week of work, it’s a valid concern.
In this 2026 guide, we’re going to break down exactly what the State of California pays (and what it doesn’t), the mileage math you need to know, and the legal protections that keep your boss from giving your job away while you’re sitting in the jury box.
✅ The 30-Second Answer: California pays $15/day, but here’s the catch: Day 1 is completely unpaid. You only start earning that stipend on Day 2. You’ll also get $0.34 per mile (one-way). Employers aren't required by law to pay your salary, but many of the big CA tech and entertainment giants do it anyway.
The California Pay Schedule: Day 1 vs. Day 2+
California’s jury pay is governed by the California Rules of Court, and it’s famously... modest. The most important thing to remember is the "Day 1 Rule."
| Day of Service | What the Court Pays | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | $0 (Zero) | California law considers the first day a "civic contribution." |
| Day 2 onwards | $15.00 | Flat rate regardless of trial length. |
| Federal Court (CA) | $50.00 | If you’re at a Federal building, the pay is much higher. |
⚠️ Heads Up: If you report for jury duty, spend four hours in the assembly room, and get sent home on Day 1 because they didn't need you—you get $0.00 from the court. No pay, and usually no mileage. It feels unfair, but that’s the law in the Golden State.
Doing the Mileage Math
The court will reimburse you for travel, but they use a specific formula: $0.34 per mile, calculated for a one-way trip from your home to the courthouse.
- One-Way Only: If you live 20 miles away, you get paid for 20 miles, not the 40 miles of total driving.
- Tolls and Parking: Most California courthouses do not reimburse for bridge tolls or private parking. However, almost all of them have designated juror lots where they will validate your ticket. **Pro Tip:** In downtown LA or San Francisco, always look for the "Juror Parking" signs—if you park in a random private lot, you’ll be out $40 with no way to get it back.
- Public Transit: Some courts, like San Francisco Superior, are moving toward transit vouchers or BART reimbursement. Check your specific county portal.
Does My Boss Have to Pay My Salary?
This is where things get tricky. Under California Labor Code § 230, your employer has two big obligations:
- They must let you go to jury duty. They can't say no.
- They cannot fire or demote you for serving.
But—and it’s a big "but"—they are not required to pay you.
If you work for a small mom-and-pop shop, you’re likely looking at an unpaid week. However, if you work for a major California employer (think Apple, Disney, or a state agency), you almost certainly have "Jury Duty Leave" as a benefit. Check your HR portal before you start stressing.
💡 The "Exempt" Loophole: If you are a salaried "exempt" employee (no overtime), and you work even 15 minutes on Monday morning before heading to court for the rest of the week, your employer must pay your full salary for that week under federal FLSA rules. Don't let them dock your pay if you've done any work that week.
Can You Get Excused from Jury Duty in California?
If you receive a summons but cannot serve, California allows you to request a postponement or complete excusal under specific circumstances. Most courts allow you to reschedule your service one postponement of up to 90 days. You can easily submit a postponement online at juror.courts.ca.gov.
Who is Exempt from Jury Duty in California?
California law provides automatic or requested exemptions for several categories of individuals:
- Seniors: Residents aged 70+ can request an exemption (either permanent or for that specific summons) based on age.
- Medical Hardship: A physical or mental condition that makes serving impossible, verified by a physician’s note.
- Caregivers: Individuals with active custody/care of a child under a certain age (or a dependent adult) with no alternative care.
- Active Military & Students: Active duty military personnel stationed out of state, or full-time students.
Jury Duty Excuse Letter Template for California
If you need to submit a written request to be excused, you can copy and customize the template below to mail or email to the California jury commissioner:
Wait, is this $15 Taxable?
Yes, uncle Sam wants his cut. Jury pay is considered "other income." However, unless you serve on a massive 3-month trial, you probably won't even cross the $600 threshold where the court has to send you a 1099 form. You still technically have to report it, but the mileage reimbursement is not taxable.
The "Real" California Juror Experience
While the laws are state-wide, the experience varies by county:
- Los Angeles: Use the "Juror Portal" to check your status after 5:00 PM the night before. If your group isn't called, you don't go.
- San Diego: The Central Courthouse is brand new and state-of-the-art, but parking is a nightmare. Plan to arrive 30 minutes early just to find your lot.
- Bay Area: Many jurors take BART or Caltrain. Check if your court provides a transit "Clipper" card credit.
Scenario: 5 Days in San Diego
Let's say you're picked for a week-long trial and live 20 miles from the courthouse:
- Attendance Pay: $60 (Day 1: $0; Days 2, 3, 4, 5: $15 each)
- Mileage: $34 (20 miles x $0.34 x 5 days)
- Total from Court: $94.00
Is $94 going to pay your mortgage? No. But knowing the numbers ahead of time helps you plan the week without any nasty surprises.
What Happens if You Skip Jury Duty in California?
Jury duty is a legal mandate. Failing to appear after being properly summoned in California is considered Contempt of Court. While judges rarely issue arrest warrants immediately for a first-time miss, they have the legal authority to enforce the following penalties:
- Fines: You can be fined up to $1,000 and/or 5 days jail.
- Contempt Charges: A judge may issue a "Show Cause Order," requiring you to appear in court and explain your absence.
- Criminal Record: Severe or repeated cases of skipping jury duty can result in misdemeanor contempt charges and a brief jail sentence in some counties.
If you missed your date, contact the jury office immediately. Most courts will reschedule you without penalties if you show cooperation.
Frequently Asked Questions — California Jury Duty
What if I'm self-employed and called for jury duty in California?
Self-employed Californians receive only the standard $15/day court stipend. There's no employer to supplement this. California courts may be receptive to a documented financial hardship exemption request. Be prepared to show proof of lost business income.
Does California require grand jury pay?
Grand jurors in California receive the same $15/day starting day 2. However, grand jury service can last up to 12 months, which can create significant financial strain. California grand jurors may be eligible for longer-term hardship considerations.
Where do I report for jury duty in California?
Your summons will specify the courthouse. Los Angeles, San Francisco, San Diego, and Sacramento each have separate superior court systems with different local procedures. Always confirm your reporting location on your summons.
Expert Editorial Note: While we strive to keep our state-level guides updated with the most current 2026 rates, local county policies can shift. Always refer to your specific summons for the most accurate reporting instructions. This guide was last verified by the JuryDutyPayGuide Editorial Team.
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