Jury Duty Pay California 2026
Complete Compensation Guide

If you've received a jury summons in California, you're probably wondering: how much will I actually get paid? The answer depends on which day of service you're on, how far you travel, and whether your employer voluntarily pays your salary.

This guide covers everything California jurors need to know about compensation in 2026 — from the court's daily fee schedule to mileage reimbursement, parking, and what to do when your employer won't pay.

California Jury Duty Pay Schedule

California's jury compensation is set by the California Rules of Court. Here's how the pay breaks down by day:

Day of Service	Court Pay	Notes
Day 1	$0 (Unpaid)	First day court does not pay
Day 2 onward	$15/day	Standard California rate
Extended service	$15/day	Rate stays flat (no escalation)
Federal court (CA)	$50/day	Read our Federal Jury Pay Guide

Mileage Reimbursement in California

California courts provide mileage reimbursement to jurors who drive to the courthouse. The current rate is $0.34 per mile, calculated as a one-way distance from your home to the courthouse.

• Reimbursement is for one-way distance, not round trip
• You must log your mileage and submit it to the jury clerk
• Parking: Some courthouses validate parking. Check with your specific courthouse
• Public transit costs are not separately reimbursed in most CA courts

Example Calculation

If you live 15 miles from the courthouse and serve for 5 days:

• Court pay: Day 1 = $0, Days 2–5 = $15 × 4 = $60
• Mileage: 15 miles × $0.34 × 5 days = $25.50
• Total court compensation: $85.50

Does Your Employer Have to Pay You?

This is the most common question California jurors ask — and the answer is no, California does not require employers to pay wages during jury duty.

Under California Labor Code Section 230, your employer must:

• ✅ Allow you to take time off for jury duty (cannot deny the leave)
• ✅ Protect your job (cannot fire or demote you for serving)
• ❌ NOT required to pay your salary during the period

Your Legal Rights as a California Juror

California has strong anti-retaliation protections under Labor Code §230:

• Your employer cannot fire you for serving jury duty
• Your employer cannot threaten, demote, or penalize you
• You are entitled to return to your job after service ends
• Benefits (health insurance, PTO accrual) continue during service
• If retaliated against, you can file a complaint with the DLSE or sue in civil court

Can You Get Excused from Jury Duty in California?

California allows jurors to request a postponement or hardship exemption. Valid reasons include:

• Extreme financial hardship (especially for self-employed individuals)
• Primary caregiver with no alternative childcare arrangements
• Medical conditions verified by a doctor's note
• Pre-booked, non-refundable travel within 90 days

You can request postponement online at juror.courts.ca.gov. Most California courts allow one postponement with no questions asked.

Is California Jury Duty Pay Taxable?

Yes. Jury duty pay from California courts is taxable ordinary income and must be reported on both your federal (Form 1040) and California state tax returns.

However: if your employer requires you to remit your jury pay to them (because they are paying your full salary), you can deduct the amount remitted from your federal taxable income. For more details on filing requirements, see our full guide: Is Jury Duty Pay Taxable?.

How Jurors are Selected in California

Like most states, California uses a randomized selection process to pull juror pools. The court primarily draws names from:

• Registered voters in California
• Licensed drivers and state ID holders from the DMV

If your name belongs to either of these databases, you are eligible to be randomly summoned. California law ensures that the juror pool represents a fair cross-section of the community.

California Courthouse Dress Code & Rules

When reporting for jury duty in California, you must adhere to the court's dress code. Courts enforce a business casual policy.

• Do not wear: Shorts, tank tops, flip-flops, hats, or clothing with offensive messaging.
• Security: All California courthouses have security screening. Do not bring pocket knives, mace, or weapons of any kind.
• Electronics: Most courts allow cell phones in the jury assembly room, but they must be completely turned off when entering a courtroom.

What Happens if You Skip Jury Duty in California?

Jury duty is a legal obligation. Ignoring a jury summons in California can result in serious legal consequences, including:

• Being held in Contempt of Court
• Fines ranging from $100 to $1,000 depending on the specific judge and county
• A new summons to appear in court and explain your absence

If you genuinely cannot attend, always follow the proper postponement or excuse procedures outlined on your summons rather than simply failing to appear.

County-Specific Jury Duty Guides

While California sets a statewide framework, local court procedures and parking logistics vary by county. Explore our detailed guides for California's largest counties:

• Los Angeles Jury Duty Pay Guide — Detailed info on Stanley Mosk parking and LA juror portals.
• San Diego Jury Duty Pay Guide — Commute tips for the Central Courthouse and specialized parking info.

California County Variations & Courthouses

While California sets a statewide daily pay rate of $15 starting on Day 2, the administrative experience varies significantly between counties. Large urban centers like Los Angeles and San Francisco have specialized procedures for parking, security, and juror orientation.

Primary Reporting Locations

If you are summoned for state-level service (Superior Court), you will likely report to one of these major hubs:

• Los Angeles: Stanley Mosk Courthouse (Civil) or Clara Shortridge Foltz Criminal Justice Center (Criminal).
• San Francisco: Civic Center Courthouse or the Hall of Justice on Bryant Street.
• San Diego: Central Courthouse in downtown San Diego.
• Sacramento: Gordon D. Schaber Sacramento County Courthouse.
• Orange County: Central Justice Center in Santa Ana.

Notable County Differences

Different California counties handle juror logistics in unique ways:

• Parking: In Los Angeles, jurors are provided with specific "Juror Parking" maps. Validation is only provided for these designated lots. In smaller counties like Shasta or Humboldt, parking is often free and available directly on-site.
• Public Transit: San Francisco Superior Court encourages the use of BART and Muni, often providing transit vouchers or reimbursement for jurors who opt out of driving.
• Call-in Systems: Most CA counties use a "one-day or one-trial" system. You must check the online portal or call the automated line after 5:00 PM the night before your service to see if your group is required to report.

Real-World Case: 5-Day Trial in San Diego, CA

To help you understand how California's compensation works in practice, let’s look at a typical 5-day trial service stint for a juror living 20 miles from the San Diego Central Courthouse.

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.