Jury Duty Pay South Carolina 2026
Complete Compensation Guide

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

South Carolina Jury Duty Pay Schedule

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

Service Type	Daily Pay	Notes
South Carolina State Court	$10/day	Standard state rate
Federal Court (in South Carolina)	$50–$60/day	Separate from state court
Grand Jury (South Carolina)	$10/day	Same rate, longer duration
Mileage Reimbursement	$0.00/mi	Travel to courthouse

Important note: South Carolina pays $10/day with NO mileage reimbursement.

Mileage Reimbursement in South Carolina

No mileage reimbursement is provided in this state. 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 × $0.00/mi × 4 days
• Use our Pay Calculator for exact totals

Does Your Employer Have to Pay You in South Carolina?

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

While not legally required, many large employers in South Carolina 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 South Carolina Juror

South Carolina, 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 South Carolina?

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

Is Jury Duty Pay Taxable in South Carolina?

Yes. Jury duty pay received from South Carolina 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 South Carolina Cities & Counties

While the state court rate of $10/day applies across South Carolina, the specific courthouse you report to depends on your county of residence. Here are the most active jury courts in South Carolina:

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 South Carolina

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

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

South Carolina Courthouse Dress Code & Rules

When reporting for jury duty in South Carolina, 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 South Carolina 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 South Carolina?

Jury duty is a legal obligation. Ignoring a jury summons in South Carolina 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.

South Carolina County Variations & Courthouses

South Carolina’s jury system is tiered, with jurors serving in either Circuit Courts (General Sessions and Common Pleas) or Magistrate/Municipal courts. While the statewide base pay remains among the lowest in the nation at $10.00–$12.50 per day, the logistical support—specifically parking—is managed well in the high-traffic urban centers of Charleston and Columbia.

Primary Reporting Locations

If you receive a "Juror Summons" in the Palmetto State, you will likely report to one of these major judicial centers:

• Charleston: Charleston County Courthouse (100 Broad St).
• Columbia: Richland County Judicial Center (1701 Main St).
• Greenville: Greenville County Courthouse (305 E North St).
• Spartanburg: Spartanburg County Courthouse (180 Magnolia St).
• Florence: Florence County Judicial Center (181 N Irby St).

Notable County Differences

South Carolina counties manage their downtown logistics differently to accommodate jurors:

• Charleston County Logistics: Serving at the historic Broad Street courthouse is a unique experience. Do not attempt to park on the street. The county provides free parking for jurors in the Public Parking Garage at 85 Queen Street. Bring your parking ticket to the jury assembly room for validation.
• Richland County (Columbia): Jurors in Columbia report to the Judicial Center on Main Street. The county offers free parking in the **dedicated juror lot** located directly behind the courthouse at 1701 Main St. This lot fills up fast, so the court recommends arriving at least 30 minutes before your reporting time.
• "One Week or One Trial": Most South Carolina counties follow this service term. If you are not selected for a trial within your first 2-3 days, you are typically excused for the remainder of the week and have fulfilled your service for the next three years.

Real-World Case: 5-Day Trial in Charleston, SC

To help you understand how South Carolina's compensation works in practice, let’s look at a typical 5-day trial service for a juror reporting to the Charleston County Courthouse.

Frequently Asked Questions — South Carolina Jury Duty

How much do you get paid for jury duty in South Carolina?

South Carolina state courts pay jurors $10/day. Federal courts in South Carolina pay $50/day (days 1–10) and $60/day after 10 days. Mileage reimbursement is $0.00/mi.

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

Self-employed individuals in South Carolina 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 South Carolina require grand jury pay?

Grand jurors in South Carolina 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. South Carolina courts may offer additional hardship considerations for extended grand jury service.

Where do I report for jury duty in South Carolina?

Your summons specifies the exact courthouse. South Carolina's major jury courts are located in Columbia, Charleston, North Charleston, Mount Pleasant. Always confirm your reporting location on your official summons document — never assume based on proximity.