⚡ Massachusetts Jury Duty Pay — Quick Facts
If you've received a jury summons in Massachusetts, you're probably wondering: how much will I actually get paid? This guide covers everything Massachusetts jurors need to know about jury duty compensation in 2026 — from the state court's daily fee schedule to mileage reimbursement and employer obligations.
✅ Quick Answer: Massachusetts state courts pay jurors $50/day. Mileage is reimbursed at $0.34/mi. Employer pay is required by state law. You cannot be fired for serving jury duty in Massachusetts.
Massachusetts Jury Duty Pay Schedule
Massachusetts's jury duty pay is set by state statute and applies to all state-level courts. Federal courts operating in Massachusetts follow the federal pay schedule ($50/day for days 1–10, $60/day thereafter), which is separate.
| Service Type | Daily Pay | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Massachusetts State Court | $50/day | Standard state rate |
| Federal Court (in Massachusetts) | $50–$60/day | Separate from state court |
| Grand Jury (Massachusetts) | $50/day | Same rate, longer duration |
| Mileage Reimbursement | $0.34/mi | Travel to courthouse |
Important note: MA employers must pay full wages for first 3 days. After that, the court pays $50/day.
Mileage Reimbursement in Massachusetts
The court reimburses jurors at $0.34/mi for travel to the courthouse. You must track your mileage each day and submit a mileage log to the jury clerk at the end of your service. Keep all parking receipts as many courts reimburse parking separately.
Example Calculation
If you live 20 miles from the courthouse and serve for 4 days:
- Court pay: 4 × $50 = calculated by your state rate
- Mileage: 20 miles × $0.34/mi × 4 days
- Use our Pay Calculator for exact totals
Does Your Employer Have to Pay You in Massachusetts?
The answer in Massachusetts: ✅ Yes — Required by Massachusetts Law (3 days).
Massachusetts has one of the stronger employer pay requirements. Your employer must continue your regular salary during jury service as mandated by state law. Violating this is illegal and actionable.
✅ Massachusetts Law: Your employer is legally required to pay you during jury duty. If they refuse, you have grounds to file a legal complaint.
Your Legal Rights as a Massachusetts Juror
Massachusetts, like all US states, has anti-retaliation laws protecting jurors from employment consequences:
- Your employer cannot fire you for serving on a jury
- Your employer cannot threaten, demote, or penalize you
- You are entitled to return to your same position after service ends
- Benefits (health insurance, retirement) continue during your service period
- If retaliated against, you can seek legal remedies including reinstatement and back pay
Can You Get Excused from Jury Duty in Massachusetts?
Massachusetts courts allow jurors to request postponement or hardship exemptions. Generally accepted reasons include:
- Extreme financial hardship (especially self-employed individuals with documented income loss)
- Primary caregiver with no alternative childcare arrangements
- Medical conditions verified by a physician's letter
- Pre-scheduled travel that cannot be reasonably postponed
- Prior jury service within a disqualifying period
Contact your local Massachusetts court or check your jury summons for the specific postponement process.
Is Jury Duty Pay Taxable in Massachusetts?
Yes. Jury duty pay received from Massachusetts courts is taxable ordinary income and must be reported on your federal tax return (Form 1040). If your state has an income tax, it is likely taxable at the state level as well.
Exception: if your employer requires you to remit your court stipend to them because they are paying your full salary, you can deduct the amount you return from your federal taxable income.
📋 Tax Tip: Keep all jury duty payment receipts from the Massachusetts courthouse. The court may issue a 1099-G or similar document if your total pay exceeds certain thresholds.
Jury Duty Pay in Major Massachusetts Cities & Counties
While the state court rate of $50/day applies across Massachusetts, the specific courthouse you report to depends on your county of residence. Here are the most active jury courts in Massachusetts:
🏙️ Major Cities Covered
🗺️ County Courts in Massachusetts
Regardless of which county or city you serve in, the base state compensation is $50/day. Some counties may have slightly different parking reimbursement policies — always verify with your summons.
How Jurors are Selected in Massachusetts
Like most states, Massachusetts uses a randomized selection process to pull juror pools. The court primarily draws names from:
- Registered voters in Massachusetts
- 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. Massachusetts law ensures that the juror pool represents a fair cross-section of the community.
Massachusetts Courthouse Dress Code & Rules
When reporting for jury duty in Massachusetts, 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 Massachusetts 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 Massachusetts?
Jury duty is a legal obligation. Ignoring a jury summons in Massachusetts 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.
Massachusetts County Variations & Courthouses
Massachusetts operates a unified "One Day or One Trial" jury system across all counties. While the basic rules are the same statewide, the logistical experience—from public transit accessibility in Suffolk County to parking in Worcester—varies depending on your reporting location.
Primary Reporting Locations
If you are summoned for state-level service in Massachusetts, you will likely report to one of these major Superior Court locations:
- Boston: Edward W. Brooke Courthouse (24 New Chardon St).
- Worcester: Worcester Trial Court (225 Main St).
- Springfield: Roderick L. Ireland Courthouse (50 State St).
- Cambridge: Middlesex County Superior Court (200 Trade Center).
- Lowell: Lowell Justice Center (370 Jackson St).
Notable County Differences
Massachusetts has some of the most juror-friendly laws in the country, but administrative policies differ by vicinage:
- Suffolk County (Boston): Jurors reporting to the Brooke Courthouse face significant parking challenges. The court does not reimburse for parking in expensive private garages. Jurors are strongly advised to take the MBTA (Green or Orange line to Haymarket Station), as the courthouse is just steps away.
- Middlesex County (Cambridge/Lowell): Middlesex is one of the busiest counties in the Commonwealth. They utilize an advanced online juror portal where you can set up text message reminders and request a "one-time" postponement of up to 12 months with no excuse required—provided you do it before your reporting date.
- The 3-Day Employer Rule: Massachusetts G.L. c. 234A requires all employers (even small businesses) to pay regular wages for the first 3 days of jury service. The $50 state stipend only begins on Day 4.
Real-World Case: 5-Day Trial in Boston, MA
To help you understand how Massachusetts' unique 3-day rule works, let’s look at a typical 5-day service stint for a juror reporting to the Edward W. Brooke Courthouse in Boston.
Scenario: 5 full days of attendance, employee with a standard full-time salary, 20-mile round-trip commute.
- Days 1–3 Pay: Paid by Employer (Full Regular Wages)
- Days 4–5 Pay: $100.00 (2 days × $50.00/day state rate)
- Mileage Reimbursement: $34.00 (20 miles × $0.34/mi × 5 days)
- Total from Court: $134.00 + Regular Salary (Days 1–3)
*Note: In Massachusetts, you must provide your employer with a "Juror Service Certificate" (which you receive at the end of your service) to get paid for those first 3 days.
Frequently Asked Questions — Massachusetts Jury Duty
How much do you get paid for jury duty in Massachusetts?
Massachusetts state courts pay jurors $50/day. Federal courts in Massachusetts pay $50/day (days 1–10) and $60/day after 10 days. Mileage reimbursement is $0.34/mi.
What if I'm self-employed and called for jury duty in Massachusetts?
Self-employed individuals in Massachusetts receive only the standard court stipend of $50/day — there is no employer to supplement it. If your business income will be significantly impacted, you may apply for a financial hardship exemption. Document your income loss carefully for the court.
Does Massachusetts require grand jury pay?
Grand jurors in Massachusetts generally receive the same $50/day rate as regular trial jurors. However, since grand jury service can last many months, it creates more significant financial impact. Massachusetts courts may offer additional hardship considerations for extended grand jury service.
Where do I report for jury duty in Massachusetts?
Your summons specifies the exact courthouse. Massachusetts's major jury courts are located in Boston, Worcester, Springfield, Cambridge, Lowell. Always confirm your reporting location on your official summons document — never assume based on proximity.
⚖️ Protect Your Job and Your Pay
Under federal and state law, you are protected from retaliation for serving jury duty. If you're having trouble with your employer, get an expert legal consultation today.
Talk to a Labor Lawyer →Calculate Your Massachusetts Jury Duty Pay
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