Jury Duty Pay Minnesota 2026
Complete Compensation Guide

If you've received a jury summons in Minnesota, you're probably wondering: how much will I actually get paid? This guide covers everything Minnesota jurors need to know about jury duty compensation in 2026 — from the state court's daily fee schedule to mileage reimbursement and employer obligations.

Minnesota Jury Duty Pay Schedule

Minnesota's jury duty pay is set by state statute and applies to all state-level courts. Federal courts operating in Minnesota follow the federal pay schedule ($50/day for days 1–10, $60/day thereafter), which is separate.

Service Type	Daily Pay	Notes
Minnesota State Court	$20/day	Standard state rate
Federal Court (in Minnesota)	$50–$60/day	Separate from state court
Grand Jury (Minnesota)	$20/day	Same rate, longer duration
Mileage Reimbursement	$0.34/mi	Travel to courthouse

Important note: Minnesota pays $20/day with standard mileage reimbursement.

Mileage Reimbursement in Minnesota

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 × $20 = 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 Minnesota?

The answer in Minnesota: ❌ Not Required by state law (employer's discretion).

While not legally required, many large employers in Minnesota voluntarily provide full or partial pay during jury duty. Always check your employee handbook or HR policy before assuming you won't be compensated.

Your Legal Rights as a Minnesota Juror

Minnesota, 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 Minnesota?

Minnesota 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 Minnesota court or check your jury summons for the specific postponement process.

Is Jury Duty Pay Taxable in Minnesota?

Yes. Jury duty pay received from Minnesota 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.

Jury Duty Pay in Major Minnesota Cities & Counties

While the state court rate of $20/day applies across Minnesota, the specific courthouse you report to depends on your county of residence. Here are the most active jury courts in Minnesota:

Regardless of which county or city you serve in, the base state compensation is $20/day. Some counties may have slightly different parking reimbursement policies — always verify with your summons.

How Jurors are Selected in Minnesota

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

• Registered voters in Minnesota
• 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. Minnesota law ensures that the juror pool represents a fair cross-section of the community.

Minnesota Courthouse Dress Code & Rules

When reporting for jury duty in Minnesota, 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 Minnesota 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 Minnesota?

Jury duty is a legal obligation. Ignoring a jury summons in Minnesota 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.

Minnesota County Variations & Courthouses

Minnesota’s judicial districts manage jury service with a heavy emphasis on juror convenience, though the logistical hurdles of navigating the Twin Cities can be daunting. While the $20.00 daily stipend is consistent across state courts, the support for parking and childcare varies significantly between Hennepin and Ramsey counties.

Primary Reporting Locations

Most Minnesota jurors will report to one of these regional judicial centers:

• Minneapolis: Hennepin County Government Center (300 S 6th St).
• Saint Paul: Ramsey County Courthouse (15 W Kellogg Blvd).
• Duluth: St. Louis County Courthouse (100 N 5th Ave W).
• Rochester: Olmsted County Government Center (151 4th St SE).
• St. Cloud: Stearns County Courthouse (725 Courthouse Sq).

Notable County Differences

Navigating jury duty in the Land of 10,000 Lakes requires knowing these local specifics:

• Minneapolis (Hennepin County): Jurors report to the iconic twin-tower Government Center. Parking downtown is expensive, but the county offers a discounted parking rate at the Jerry Haaf Memorial Ramp (424 S. 4th St). You must bring your parking ticket to the Jury Assembly Room on the 24th Floor to receive a "chaser ticket" for the discount.
• Saint Paul (Ramsey County): Jurors report to the beautiful Art Deco City Hall/Courthouse. Ramsey County is more generous with parking, providing a full daily parking voucher for the Victory Ramp (344 Wabasha St). Be sure to check in at the jury desk before leaving to secure your voucher.
• Childcare/Dependent Care Reimbursement: A unique feature of Minnesota's system is that some counties allow jurors to apply for **reimbursement of actual childcare expenses** (if not otherwise paid) at a rate set by the local court (often up to $40/day). If service creates a childcare crisis, mention this to the jury coordinator immediately.

Real-World Case: 5-Day Trial in Minneapolis, MN

To help you understand how Minnesota's compensation works in practice, let’s look at a typical 5-day trial service for a juror reporting to the Hennepin County Government Center.

Frequently Asked Questions — Minnesota Jury Duty

How much do you get paid for jury duty in Minnesota?

Minnesota state courts pay jurors $20/day. Federal courts in Minnesota 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 Minnesota?

Self-employed individuals in Minnesota receive only the standard court stipend of $20/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 Minnesota require grand jury pay?

Grand jurors in Minnesota generally receive the same $20/day rate as regular trial jurors. However, since grand jury service can last many months, it creates more significant financial impact. Minnesota courts may offer additional hardship considerations for extended grand jury service.

Where do I report for jury duty in Minnesota?

Your summons specifies the exact courthouse. Minnesota's major jury courts are located in Minneapolis, Saint Paul, Rochester, Duluth. Always confirm your reporting location on your official summons document — never assume based on proximity.