⚡ Texas Jury Duty Pay — Quick Facts
Texas has a unique two-tier jury pay system: $6 for day 1 (which is simply an appearance/reporting fee) and $40/day from day 2 onward. This makes Texas one of the higher-paying states once you're actually selected as a juror.
✅ Quick Answer: Texas pays $6 on day 1 and $40/day starting day 2. Mileage is $0.17/mile (round trip). Employers are not required to pay, but they cannot fire or penalize you for serving.
Texas Jury Duty Pay Schedule
| Day of Service | Court Pay | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | $6 | Appearance/reporting fee only |
| Day 2 onward | $40/day | Full juror daily rate |
| Federal court (TX) | $50/day | Federal rate (then $60 after Day 10) |
⚠️ Not Selected? If you report on Day 1 but are dismissed and not selected as a juror, you receive the $6 appearance fee only. You will also receive mileage reimbursement for that day.
Mileage Reimbursement in Texas
Texas courts reimburse jurors for travel at $0.17 per mile, calculated as the round-trip distance from your home to the courthouse.
- Rate: $0.17/mile (round trip, not one-way like some states)
- Parking: Not automatically covered — check with your courthouse
- Some Texas counties supplement the state minimum — your summons will specify
Example: 5-Day Trial in Texas
- Day 1: $6 (appearance fee)
- Days 2–5: $40 × 4 = $160
- Mileage (20 mi round trip × $0.17 × 5 days) = $17
- Total court compensation: $183
Texas Employer Rules
Texas does not require employers to pay wages during jury duty. However, under Texas Labor Code §122.001:
- ✅ Employers must grant time off for jury duty — they cannot deny it
- ✅ Employers cannot fire, threaten, or penalize you for serving
- ✅ You must be reinstated to your same position after service ends
- ❌ Employers are NOT required to pay wages during the absence
💡 Check Your Employee Handbook: Many large Texas employers — especially in the energy, tech, and government sectors — voluntarily provide full pay during jury duty. This is increasingly common as a company benefit. Always ask HR before assuming you won't be paid.
Anti-Retaliation Protection in Texas
Texas Labor Code §122.001 makes it a Class B misdemeanor for employers to discharge or threaten to discharge an employee for serving on a jury. If your employer retaliates:
- File a complaint with the Texas Workforce Commission
- You may have a civil cause of action for lost wages and reinstatement
- The employer can face criminal misdemeanor charges
Postponement & Hardship in Texas
Texas allows jurors to request postponement online through the specific court's juror portal. Most Texas district and county courts allow one postponement of 6–12 months. Valid hardship reasons include:
- Financial hardship for self-employed individuals
- Medical conditions (with physician documentation)
- Sole caretaker responsibilities
- Pre-paid non-refundable travel
- Prior jury service within the past 12 months
⚠️ Self-Employed in Texas? Texas jurors receive only the court's stipend ($6 Day 1, $40 from Day 2). With no employer supplement, self-employed Texans face the most financial impact. Document all lost income carefully for a potential hardship request.
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