⚡ New Hampshire Jury Duty Pay — Quick Facts
If you've received a jury summons in New Hampshire, you're probably wondering: how much will I actually get paid? This guide covers everything New Hampshire 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: New Hampshire state courts pay jurors $10/day. Mileage is reimbursed at $0.17/mi. Employer pay is NOT required. You cannot be fired for serving jury duty in New Hampshire.
New Hampshire Jury Duty Pay Schedule
New Hampshire's jury duty pay is set by state statute and applies to all state-level courts. Federal courts operating in New Hampshire follow the federal pay schedule ($50/day for days 1–10, $60/day thereafter), which is separate.
| Service Type | Daily Pay | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| New Hampshire State Court | $10/day | Standard state rate |
| Federal Court (in New Hampshire) | $50–$60/day | Separate from state court |
| Grand Jury (New Hampshire) | $10/day | Same rate, longer duration |
| Mileage Reimbursement | $0.17/mi | Travel to courthouse |
Important note: New Hampshire pays $10/day with mileage for travel to courthouse.
Mileage Reimbursement in New Hampshire
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 × $10 = 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 New Hampshire?
The answer in New Hampshire: ❌ Not Required by state law (employer's discretion).
While not legally required, many large employers in New Hampshire voluntarily provide full or partial pay during jury duty. Always check your employee handbook or HR policy before assuming you won't be compensated.
💡 Pro Tip: Even though New Hampshire doesn't require it, many large companies and government employers provide full jury duty pay voluntarily. Always ask HR or check your handbook before your service begins.
Your Legal Rights as a New Hampshire Juror
New Hampshire, 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 New Hampshire?
New Hampshire 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 New Hampshire court or check your jury summons for the specific postponement process.
Is Jury Duty Pay Taxable in New Hampshire?
Yes. Jury duty pay received from New Hampshire 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 New Hampshire courthouse. The court may issue a 1099-G or similar document if your total pay exceeds certain thresholds.
Jury Duty Pay in Major New Hampshire Cities & Counties
While the state court rate of $10/day applies across New Hampshire, the specific courthouse you report to depends on your county of residence. Here are the most active jury courts in New Hampshire:
🏙️ Major Cities Covered
🗺️ County Courts in New Hampshire
Regardless of which county or city you serve in, the base state compensation is $10/day. Some counties may have slightly different parking reimbursement policies — always verify with your summons.
How Jurors are Selected in New Hampshire
Like most states, New Hampshire uses a randomized selection process to pull juror pools. The court primarily draws names from:
- Registered voters in New Hampshire
- 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. New Hampshire law ensures that the juror pool represents a fair cross-section of the community.
New Hampshire Courthouse Dress Code & Rules
When reporting for jury duty in New Hampshire, 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 New Hampshire 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 New Hampshire?
Jury duty is a legal obligation. Ignoring a jury summons in New Hampshire 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.
New Hampshire County Variations & Courthouses
New Hampshire's judicial system is decentralized across its 10 counties, with Superior Courts handling the bulk of jury trials. While the $10.00 daily stipend—one of the lowest in the country—is mandated by N.H. Rev. Stat. § 500-A:15, the parking and check-in procedures are specific to each county seat.
Primary Reporting Locations
Most Granite State jurors report to one of these county Superior Courts:
- Manchester (Hillsborough County - Northern): Hillsborough Northern Superior Court (300 Chestnut St).
- Nashua (Hillsborough County - Southern): NH Superior Court (30 Spring St).
- Concord (Merrimack County): Merrimack Superior Court (5 Noble Dr).
- Brentwood (Rockingham County): Rockingham Superior Court (10 Route 125).
- Dover (Strafford County): Strafford Superior Court (259 County Farm Rd).
Notable County Differences
Logistics vary significantly between the urban centers of Manchester/Nashua and the more rural county seats:
- Manchester (Hillsborough Northern): Jurors reporting to the Chestnut St facility in downtown Manchester should use the **Victory Park Garage** (corner of Amherst and Chestnut). The court typically **validates parking** for jurors; ensure you bring your garage ticket inside to the jury assembly room for a validation stamp to avoid high city parking fees.
- Concord (Merrimack County): The Merrimack Superior Court on Noble Drive offers **ample free parking** in the dedicated lot directly in front of the building. Jurors do not need a special permit, but should avoid spots marked for "Authorized Personnel Only."
- Mileage Calculation: Under N.H. Rev. Stat. § 500-A:15, jurors are reimbursed at **$0.17 per mile**. Unlike the IRS rate, this is a fixed statutory rate that has not changed in several years. For jurors in larger counties like Coos or Grafton, this mileage can add up, but for most, it covers basic transportation costs.
Real-World Case: 5-Day Trial in Manchester, NH
Because New Hampshire's pay rate is $10/day, the importance of parking validation cannot be overstated. Let’s look at a 5-day trial stint for a resident of Bedford commuting to the Manchester courthouse.
Scenario: 5 full days of attendance, 12-mile round-trip daily commute, utilizing the Victory Park Garage with court validation.
- Court Attendance Pay: $50.00 ($10.00/day state rate × 5 days)
- Mileage Reimbursement: $10.20 (12 miles × $0.17/mi × 5 days)
- Total Estimated Payment: $60.20
*Note: Per N.H. Rev. Stat. § 500-A:14, your employer is legally prohibited from discharging or threatening you due to your jury service. While they are not required to pay you, they must allow you to return to your same position without penalty.
Frequently Asked Questions — New Hampshire Jury Duty
How much do you get paid for jury duty in New Hampshire?
New Hampshire state courts pay jurors $10/day. Federal courts in New Hampshire 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 New Hampshire?
Self-employed individuals in New Hampshire receive only the standard court stipend of $10/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 New Hampshire require grand jury pay?
Grand jurors in New Hampshire generally receive the same $10/day rate as regular trial jurors. However, since grand jury service can last many months, it creates more significant financial impact. New Hampshire courts may offer additional hardship considerations for extended grand jury service.
Where do I report for jury duty in New Hampshire?
Your summons specifies the exact courthouse. New Hampshire's major jury courts are located in Manchester, Nashua, Concord, Derry. 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 New Hampshire Jury Duty Pay
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