Pennsylvania Jury Duty Pay in 2026
What You'll Actually Get — County by County

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

Pennsylvania Jury Duty Pay Schedule

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

Service Type	Daily Pay	Notes
Pennsylvania State Court	$9/day	Standard state rate
Federal Court (in Pennsylvania)	$50–$60/day	Separate from state court
Grand Jury (Pennsylvania)	$9/day	Same rate, longer duration
Mileage Reimbursement	$0.17/mi	Travel to courthouse

Important note: Pennsylvania ties for one of the lowest rates — just $9/day. Philadelphia and Pittsburgh courts are very active.

Mileage Reimbursement in Pennsylvania

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 × $9 = 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 Pennsylvania?

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

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

Pennsylvania, 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 Pennsylvania?

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

Is Jury Duty Pay Taxable in Pennsylvania?

Yes. Jury duty pay received from Pennsylvania 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.

All Pennsylvania state courts pay the same base rate of $9/day. But depending on which county you live in, the courthouse, parking situation, and local procedures can vary. Here’s what to expect in Pennsylvania's busiest jury counties.

Philadelphia County — Jury Duty in Philadelphia

Philadelphia is Pennsylvania’s largest and busiest jury court. If you live in Philadelphia, you’ll report to the Philadelphia Court of Common Pleas, located at City Hall (1400 John F. Kennedy Blvd). Jury assembly is on the 11th floor. Read our dedicated, comprehensive Philadelphia Jury Duty Pay & Parking Guide, or see the key facts below:

• State court pay: $9/day (same as all PA state courts)
• Federal court pay: If you’re called to the Eastern District of Pennsylvania (601 Market St), you’ll earn $50/day — a big difference
• Parking: Parking in Center City is expensive. The court provides a parking validation voucher for the City Hall Garage — confirm this on your summons
• SEPTA: Taking public transit? Many Philadelphia jurors do. You can request transit reimbursement instead of mileage

Allegheny County — Jury Duty in Pittsburgh

Allegheny County (Pittsburgh) is Pennsylvania’s second-largest jury pool. Residents report to the Allegheny County Courthouse at 436 Grant Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15219 — right in downtown Pittsburgh.

• State court pay: $9/day
• Federal court pay: The Western District of Pennsylvania (700 Grant St, Pittsburgh) pays $50/day
• Parking: Allegheny County validates parking at nearby garages — check your summons for details. Street parking is limited downtown
• Typical wait: Allegheny County usually calls jurors in waves. Many are released by noon if not selected

Montgomery County — Jury Duty Near Philadelphia Suburbs

Montgomery County is one of Pennsylvania’s most populous suburban counties, just outside Philadelphia. Residents report to the Montgomery County Courthouse in Norristown (2 E. Airy Street, Norristown, PA 19401).

• State court pay: $9/day
• Parking: Montgomery County offers free or validated parking near the courthouse — confirm on your summons
• SEPTA Regional Rail: The Norristown Transportation Center is walkable from the courthouse, making public transit a practical option
• Summons info: Call the Montgomery County Jury Office at (610) 278-3323 or visit montcopa.org

Lehigh County — Jury Duty in Allentown

Lehigh County residents (Allentown area) report to the Lehigh County Courthouse at 455 W. Hamilton Street, Allentown, PA 18101.

• State court pay: $9/day
• Mileage: $0.17/mi reimbursement (same statewide rate)
• Federal court: Middle District of Pennsylvania handles federal cases from Lehigh Valley — federal pay is $50/day
• Jury info: Check lehighcounty.org for reporting instructions and postponement forms

Regardless of which county you serve in, the state daily pay remains $9/day. The main difference between counties is parking policy, courthouse location, and whether you might be called to a federal court instead — which pays significantly more.

How Jurors are Selected in Pennsylvania

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

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

Pennsylvania Courthouse Dress Code & Rules

When reporting for jury duty in Pennsylvania, 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 Pennsylvania 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 Pennsylvania?

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

Frequently Asked Questions — Pennsylvania Jury Duty

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

Pennsylvania state courts pay jurors $9/day. Federal courts in Pennsylvania 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 Pennsylvania?

Self-employed individuals in Pennsylvania receive only the standard court stipend of $9/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 Pennsylvania require grand jury pay?

Grand jurors in Pennsylvania generally receive the same $9/day rate as regular trial jurors. However, since grand jury service can last many months, it creates more significant financial impact. Pennsylvania courts may offer additional hardship considerations for extended grand jury service.

Where do I report for jury duty in Pennsylvania?

Your summons specifies the exact courthouse. Pennsylvania's major jury courts are located in Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Allentown, Erie, Reading. Always confirm your reporting location on your official summons document — never assume based on proximity.