Santa Clara County Jury Duty Pay 2026
Complete Compensation Guide

Getting summoned for jury duty in Santa Clara County raises a practical question that a lot of people don't think to ask until they're staring at the summons: what are you actually going to be paid, and who is paying it? The answer involves two separate sources of money — the court itself, and possibly your employer — and they operate under two different sets of rules.

Santa Clara County jurors are paid $15 a day beginning on the second day of service, plus 34 cents per mile (one-way).

Court Pay in Santa Clara County

The California court system sets the daily juror stipend that every juror receives directly from the court. In Santa Clara County, that currently works out to $15 (Starting Day 2). These figures are set by the state judiciary and apply to all jurors regardless of employment status, income, or what your employer does or doesn't pay.

The court stipend represents the guaranteed baseline. It's not much — it's not intended to be a salary replacement. It's intended to acknowledge that your time has value while you're performing a civic function. The more important money question for most people is what their employer does.

Employer Pay in Santa Clara County

For Santa Clara County workers, the employer pay situation is: California employers are not required to pay for jury duty, but they cannot force you to use PTO or vacation time..

This surprises people who assume there's a national rule requiring employers to continue pay during jury service. There isn't one at the federal level. What exists is a federal prohibition on firing someone for serving — that protection is solid and universal. But pay continuation is a state-by-state issue, and within some states, it's set at the county or local level.

Even where employers aren't legally required to pay, many do so voluntarily. Large corporations, government agencies, hospitals, and unionized workplaces routinely have policies providing full salary continuation during jury service. Before assuming you'll lose income, check your employee handbook or ask HR. You might be surprised.

If you're self-employed or a gig worker, the financial calculation is different. You'll receive the court stipend, but no employer is covering your lost income. Courts recognize this, and self-employment is generally a valid basis for a financial hardship excusal request if the impact of service would be severe.

Courthouse Location

If you've been summoned to appear in Santa Clara County, the relevant courthouse is:

Downtown Superior Court, 191 North First Street, San Jose, CA 95113

Your summons will specify the exact report time and may include additional instructions. Most California counties use a call-in or check-online system that lets you verify whether your juror group is actually required to appear the evening before your scheduled date. Check your summons carefully for this information.

Parking and Getting There

Juror parking is provided for free at the market/San Pedro Square Garage. Bring your ticket to the jury assembly room for validation.

If you drive, bring your summons — it often qualifies you for a reduced parking rate or validation. Keep your parking receipts. Some courts offer partial parking reimbursement on top of the standard mileage stipend, though policies vary. Review your summons packet or the county clerk's website for specifics.

Can You Get Excused from Jury Duty in Santa Clara County?

Yes, if you have a genuine hardship. Courts in California accept requests for excusal or postponement based on several recognized categories. The process typically involves submitting a written request with supporting documentation before your report date. Common accepted reasons include:

• Extreme financial hardship (particularly for self-employed and hourly workers)
• Medical conditions supported by a physician's letter
• Primary caregiver status with no alternative care arrangements
• Active military duty
• Recent prior jury service within the state's exemption window

The key is documentation and timing. Submit your request as early as possible after receiving the summons, and never simply ignore it. For a full walkthrough of the excusal process, see our guide: How to Get Excused from Jury Duty.

Is Jury Duty Pay Taxable?

Yes. The IRS treats jury duty stipends as taxable income. It needs to be reported on your federal return for the year in which you served. Courts don't withhold taxes from these payments, so the responsibility sits with you. For most people, the amounts are small enough not to create a significant tax burden. If you served on a long trial, the numbers are larger and worth tracking carefully. Our guide on jury duty pay and taxes covers everything you need to know.