Jury Duty Pay Missouri 2026
Complete Compensation Guide

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

Missouri Jury Duty Pay Schedule

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

Service Type	Daily Pay	Notes
Missouri State Court	$6/day	Standard state rate
Federal Court (in Missouri)	$50–$60/day	Separate from state court
Grand Jury (Missouri)	$6/day	Same rate, longer duration
Mileage Reimbursement	$0.17/mi	Travel to courthouse

Important note: Missouri has the LOWEST jury duty pay in the US at just $6/day.

Mileage Reimbursement in Missouri

The court reimburses jurors at $0.17/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 × $6 = calculated by your state rate
• Mileage: 20 miles × $0.17/mi × 4 days
• Use our Pay Calculator for exact totals

Does Your Employer Have to Pay You in Missouri?

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

While not legally required, many large employers in Missouri 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 Missouri Juror

Missouri, 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 Missouri?

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

Is Jury Duty Pay Taxable in Missouri?

Yes. Jury duty pay received from Missouri 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 Missouri Cities & Counties

While the state court rate of $6/day applies across Missouri, the specific courthouse you report to depends on your county of residence. Here are the most active jury courts in Missouri:

Regardless of which county or city you serve in, the base state compensation is $6/day. Some counties may have slightly different parking reimbursement policies — always verify with your summons.

How Jurors are Selected in Missouri

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

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

Missouri Courthouse Dress Code & Rules

When reporting for jury duty in Missouri, 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 Missouri 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 Missouri?

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

Missouri County Variations & Courthouses

While Missouri's state-mandated $6.00 daily pay is the lowest in the nation, the logistical support—such as parking validation and transit assistance—is managed at the county level. Circuit Courts in Kansas City (Jackson County) and St. Louis City have developed specific programs to help offset the costs of serving.

Primary Reporting Locations

Missouri jurors typically report to one of these major judicial centers:

• Kansas City: Jackson County Courthouse (415 E 12th St).
• St. Louis City: Civil Courts Building (10 N Tucker Blvd).
• Springfield: Greene County Judicial Center (1010 N Boonville Ave).
• Columbia: Boone County Courthouse (705 E Walnut St).
• Independence: Jackson County Courthouse Annex (308 W Kansas Ave).

Notable County Differences

Missouri's diverse counties offer different levels of support for summoned jurors:

• Jackson County (Kansas City): Reporting to the historic Art Deco skyscraper in downtown KCMO can be daunting. However, the county provides free parking for all jurors at the "Parkade" garage (11th & Oak St). You must bring your parking ticket to the jury assembly room for validation to avoid high downtown fees.
• St. Louis City Logistics: Reporting to the Civil Courts Building (with its iconic pyramid roof) involves strict security. The city provides MetroLink passes for jurors who prefer public transit, and for those who drive, they offer validated parking at the Cupples Garage on S. 9th Street.
• Greene County (Springfield): Springfield jurors report to the modern Judicial Center. They utilize a "one-step" summoning process where you can complete your qualification questionnaire entirely online, potentially saving you a physical trip to the courthouse if you are disqualified early.

Real-World Case: 5-Day Trial in Kansas City, MO

To help you understand how Missouri's compensation works in practice, let’s look at a typical 5-day service stint for a juror reporting to the Jackson County Courthouse in Kansas City.

Frequently Asked Questions — Missouri Jury Duty

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

Missouri state courts pay jurors $6/day. Federal courts in Missouri pay $50/day (days 1–10) and $60/day after 10 days. Mileage reimbursement is $0.17/mi.

What if I'm self-employed and called for jury duty in Missouri?

Self-employed individuals in Missouri receive only the standard court stipend of $6/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 Missouri require grand jury pay?

Grand jurors in Missouri generally receive the same $6/day rate as regular trial jurors. However, since grand jury service can last many months, it creates more significant financial impact. Missouri courts may offer additional hardship considerations for extended grand jury service.

Where do I report for jury duty in Missouri?

Your summons specifies the exact courthouse. Missouri's major jury courts are located in Kansas City, Saint Louis, Springfield, Columbia. Always confirm your reporting location on your official summons document — never assume based on proximity.