Jury Duty Pay South Dakota 2026
Complete Compensation Guide

If you've received a jury summons in South Dakota, you're probably wondering: how much will I actually get paid? This guide covers everything South Dakota 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 Dakota Jury Duty Pay Schedule

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

Service Type	Daily Pay	Notes
South Dakota State Court	$50/day	Standard state rate
Federal Court (in South Dakota)	$50–$60/day	Separate from state court
Grand Jury (South Dakota)	$50/day	Same rate, longer duration
Mileage Reimbursement	$0.67/mi	Travel to courthouse

Important note: South Dakota pays $10/day flat rate for all jury service.

Mileage Reimbursement in South Dakota

The court reimburses jurors at $0.67/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 × $50 = calculated by your state rate
• Mileage: 20 miles × $0.67/mi × 4 days
• Use our Pay Calculator for exact totals

Does Your Employer Have to Pay You in South Dakota?

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

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

South Dakota, 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 Dakota?

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

Is Jury Duty Pay Taxable in South Dakota?

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

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

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 Dakota

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

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

South Dakota Courthouse Dress Code & Rules

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

Jury duty is a legal obligation. Ignoring a jury summons in South Dakota 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 Dakota County Variations & Courthouses

Jury duty in the Mount Rushmore State is organized by state circuit courts. South Dakota recently modernized its juror compensation, raising the daily attendance fee to **$50.00**, making it one of the most juror-friendly states in the region for base pay.

Primary Reporting Locations

Depending on your circuit, you will report to one of these major judicial centers:

• Sioux Falls: Minnehaha County Courthouse (425 N Dakota Ave).
• Rapid City: Pennington County Courthouse (315 St Joseph St).
• Aberdeen: Brown County Courthouse (101 1st Ave SE).
• Pierre: Hughes County Courthouse (311 S Euclid Ave).
• Brookings: Brookings County Courthouse (401 4th St).

Notable County Differences

Navigating jury service in South Dakota’s hubs requires understanding these specific parking and verification rules:

• Minnehaha County (Sioux Falls): Jurors reporting to the 2nd Judicial Circuit Court in downtown Sioux Falls should utilize the **dedicated Juror Parking Lot** at the corner of **W 4th St and N Dakota Ave**. This lot is free for jurors, but you MUST display your original summons or the "Juror Parking Permit" clearly on your dashboard to avoid being towed or ticketed by city enforcement.
• Pennington County (Rapid City): Reporting to the 7th Judicial Circuit Court in Rapid City involves utilizing the **courthouse juror lot** located on the south side of the building. Access is via St Joseph St. If the lot is full, the court provides validation for the ramp across the street, provided you bring your ticket into the Clerk of Courts office.
• Statewide Rate Increase: Under SDCL § 16-13-46, the daily fee is set at **$50.00 per day** for attendance in Circuit Court. This is a flat rate regardless of the length of the trial. Additionally, you are entitled to the current federal mileage rate of **$0.67 per mile** for your daily commute.

Real-World Case: 5-Day Trial in Sioux Falls, SD

With the updated state rate, South Dakota's pay is significantly higher than in previous years. Let’s look at a 5-day trial service stint for a resident of Brandon commuting to Sioux Falls.

Frequently Asked Questions — South Dakota Jury Duty

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

South Dakota state courts pay jurors $50/day. Federal courts in South Dakota pay $50/day (days 1–10) and $60/day after 10 days. Mileage reimbursement is $0.67/mi.

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

Self-employed individuals in South Dakota receive only the standard court stipend of $50/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 Dakota require grand jury pay?

Grand jurors in South Dakota generally receive the same $50/day rate as regular trial jurors. However, since grand jury service can last many months, it creates more significant financial impact. South Dakota courts may offer additional hardship considerations for extended grand jury service.

Where do I report for jury duty in South Dakota?

Your summons specifies the exact courthouse. South Dakota's major jury courts are located in Sioux Falls, Rapid City, Aberdeen, Brookings. Always confirm your reporting location on your official summons document — never assume based on proximity.