Jury Duty Pay Utah 2026
Complete Compensation Guide

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

Utah Jury Duty Pay Schedule

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

Service Type	Daily Pay	Notes
Utah State Court	$18.50/day	Standard state rate
Federal Court (in Utah)	$50–$60/day	Separate from state court
Grand Jury (Utah)	$18.50/day	Same rate, longer duration
Mileage Reimbursement	$1.00/mi	Travel to courthouse

Important note: Utah has one of the highest mileage rates among state courts at $1.00/mile.

Mileage Reimbursement in Utah

The court reimburses jurors at $1.00/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 × $18.50 = calculated by your state rate
• Mileage: 20 miles × $1.00/mi × 4 days
• Use our Pay Calculator for exact totals

Does Your Employer Have to Pay You in Utah?

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

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

Utah, 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 Utah?

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

Is Jury Duty Pay Taxable in Utah?

Yes. Jury duty pay received from Utah 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 Utah Cities & Counties

While the state court rate of $18.50/day applies across Utah, the specific courthouse you report to depends on your county of residence. Here are the most active jury courts in Utah:

Regardless of which county or city you serve in, the base state compensation is $18.50/day. Some counties may have slightly different parking reimbursement policies — always verify with your summons.

How Jurors are Selected in Utah

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

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

Utah Courthouse Dress Code & Rules

When reporting for jury duty in Utah, 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 Utah 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 Utah?

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

Utah County Variations & Courthouses

Utah’s jury system is designed to promote public transit in its busy urban corridors while providing robust compensation for those serving in multi-day trials. While the first day of service pays a modest stipend, the rate nearly triples starting on the second day, making Utah one of the more competitive states for long-term juror compensation.

Primary Reporting Locations

If you receive a summons in the Beehive State, you will likely report to one of these major district courts:

• Salt Lake City: Matheson Court Complex (450 S State St).
• Ogden: Ogden Second District Court (2525 Grant Ave).
• Provo: Provo Fourth District Court (137 N Freedom Blvd).
• St. George: Fifth District Court (206 W Tabernacle St).
• Farmington: Davis County Second District Court (800 W State St).

Notable County Differences

Navigating jury duty in Utah's major metros requires knowing these specific parking and transit rules:

• Salt Lake County (SLC): Jurors reporting to the Matheson Court Complex should be aware that parking is not provided by the court. Private lots nearby can cost $20+/day. However, the court provides **free UTA Trax and Bus passes** for all jurors. You can use your summons as your fare for the first day, and the clerk will provide a physical pass for subsequent days.
• Utah County (Provo): Unlike SLC, the Provo Fourth District Court offers **free juror parking** in the parking garage located directly behind the courthouse. You must display the parking permit included with your summons on your dashboard to avoid a citation.
• The "Multi-Day" Pay Increase: Under Utah Code § 78B-1-119, Utah uses a progressive pay scale. You receive **$18.50 for the first day** of service. If you are selected for a trial, your pay increases to **$49.00 per day** starting on the second day and for every day thereafter.

Real-World Case: 5-Day Trial in Salt Lake City, UT

To help you understand Utah's progressive pay structure—where your daily rate jumps significantly after the first day—let’s look at a 5-day trial service in Salt Lake County.

Frequently Asked Questions — Utah Jury Duty

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

Utah state courts pay jurors $18.50/day. Federal courts in Utah pay $50/day (days 1–10) and $60/day after 10 days. Mileage reimbursement is $1.00/mi.

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

Self-employed individuals in Utah receive only the standard court stipend of $18.50/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 Utah require grand jury pay?

Grand jurors in Utah generally receive the same $18.50/day rate as regular trial jurors. However, since grand jury service can last many months, it creates more significant financial impact. Utah courts may offer additional hardship considerations for extended grand jury service.

Where do I report for jury duty in Utah?

Your summons specifies the exact courthouse. Utah's major jury courts are located in Salt Lake City, West Valley City, Provo, St. George, Orem. Always confirm your reporting location on your official summons document — never assume based on proximity.