Jury Duty Pay Nebraska 2026
Complete Compensation Guide

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

Nebraska Jury Duty Pay Schedule

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

Service Type	Daily Pay	Notes
Nebraska State Court	$35/day	Standard state rate
Federal Court (in Nebraska)	$50–$60/day	Separate from state court
Grand Jury (Nebraska)	$35/day	Same rate, longer duration
Mileage Reimbursement	$0.19/mi	Travel to courthouse

Important note: Nebraska requires employer pay for the ENTIRE jury service — one of the most generous laws.

Mileage Reimbursement in Nebraska

The court reimburses jurors at $0.19/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 × $35 = calculated by your state rate
• Mileage: 20 miles × $0.19/mi × 4 days
• Use our Pay Calculator for exact totals

Does Your Employer Have to Pay You in Nebraska?

The answer in Nebraska: ✅ Yes — Required by Nebraska Law (Entire service).

Nebraska 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.

Your Legal Rights as a Nebraska Juror

Nebraska, 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 Nebraska?

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

Is Jury Duty Pay Taxable in Nebraska?

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

While the state court rate of $35/day applies across Nebraska, the specific courthouse you report to depends on your county of residence. Here are the most active jury courts in Nebraska:

Regardless of which county or city you serve in, the base state compensation is $35/day. Some counties may have slightly different parking reimbursement policies — always verify with your summons.

How Jurors are Selected in Nebraska

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

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

Nebraska Courthouse Dress Code & Rules

When reporting for jury duty in Nebraska, 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 Nebraska 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 Nebraska?

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

Nebraska County Variations & Courthouses

Nebraska maintains some of the most juror-friendly employment laws in the Midwest. While many states leave jury duty pay to the discretion of the employer, Nebraska state law actively protects a juror's income by requiring most employers to continue paying regular wages during their service period.

Primary Reporting Locations

If you receive a summons in the Cornhusker State, you will likely report to one of these major district courts:

• Omaha: Douglas County Courthouse (1701 Farnam St).
• Lincoln: Lancaster County Courthouse (575 S 10th St).
• Grand Island: Hall County Courthouse (111 W 1st St).
• Kearney: Buffalo County Courthouse (1512 Central Ave).
• Bellevue: Sarpy County Courthouse (1210 Golden Gate Dr).

Notable County Differences

Navigating jury duty in Nebraska’s major population centers involves these specific parking and pay rules:

• Douglas County (Omaha): Jurors reporting to the Douglas County Courthouse in downtown Omaha are provided with a dedicated transit solution. You are entitled to **free parking** in the **Juror Parking Lot** located at the corner of 19th and Jackson Streets. To avoid a citation, you must place the parking permit attached to your summons clearly on your vehicle's dashboard.
• Lancaster County (Lincoln): If you are serving at the Justice Council Building in Lincoln, you should utilize the **free Juror Lot** located at the corner of 9th and K Streets. Be aware that spaces fill up quickly during primary selection days (Mondays and Tuesdays), so arriving 20 minutes before your reporting time is highly recommended.
• The "Mandatory Pay" Rule: Under NE Code § 25-1640, Nebraska is one of a handful of states that mandates employer pay. Employers are required to pay you your regular wages, though they are allowed to deduct the $35.00 daily court stipend from your check. This ensures that no Nebraskan suffers a financial loss for fulfilling their civic duty.
• Mileage Calculation: Per NE Code § 33-138, mileage is reimbursed at the **standard mileage rate** set by the state (currently **$0.67 per mile**). Many Nebraska counties use automated software to calculate your mileage directly from your home address to the courthouse door, eliminating the need for manual logging.

Real-World Case: 5-Day Trial in Omaha, NE

Nebraska’s mandatory employer pay law makes it one of the most stable states for jury service. Let’s look at how a 5-day trial service in Douglas County calculates for a standard salaried employee.

Frequently Asked Questions — Nebraska Jury Duty

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

Nebraska state courts pay jurors $35/day. Federal courts in Nebraska pay $50/day (days 1–10) and $60/day after 10 days. Mileage reimbursement is $0.19/mi.

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

Self-employed individuals in Nebraska receive only the standard court stipend of $35/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 Nebraska require grand jury pay?

Grand jurors in Nebraska generally receive the same $35/day rate as regular trial jurors. However, since grand jury service can last many months, it creates more significant financial impact. Nebraska courts may offer additional hardship considerations for extended grand jury service.

Where do I report for jury duty in Nebraska?

Your summons specifies the exact courthouse. Nebraska's major jury courts are located in Omaha, Lincoln, Bellevue, Grand Island. Always confirm your reporting location on your official summons document — never assume based on proximity.