Jury Duty Pay Washington 2026
Complete Compensation Guide

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

Washington Jury Duty Pay Schedule

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

Service Type	Daily Pay	Notes
Washington State Court	$10/day	Standard state rate
Federal Court (in Washington)	$50–$60/day	Separate from state court
Grand Jury (Washington)	$10/day	Same rate, longer duration
Mileage Reimbursement	$0.25/mi	Travel to courthouse

Important note: Washington state pays $10/day. King County (Seattle) has very active jury courts.

Mileage Reimbursement in Washington

The court reimburses jurors at $0.25/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 × $10 = calculated by your state rate
• Mileage: 20 miles × $0.25/mi × 4 days
• Use our Pay Calculator for exact totals

Does Your Employer Have to Pay You in Washington?

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

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

Washington, 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 Washington?

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

Is Jury Duty Pay Taxable in Washington?

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

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

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 Washington

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

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

Washington Courthouse Dress Code & Rules

When reporting for jury duty in Washington, 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 Washington 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 Washington?

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

Washington County Variations & Courthouses

While the state of Washington mandates a base daily allowance, the implementation of jury service—including specific reporting instructions, parking subsidies, and public transit perks—varies between the Superior Courts of each county. Major population centers like Seattle (King County) and Spokane have the most complex administrative setups.

Primary Reporting Locations

If you are summoned for state-level service in Washington, you will likely report to one of these major judicial centers:

• Seattle: King County Courthouse (516 3rd Ave).
• Kent: Maleng Regional Justice Center (401 4th Ave N).
• Spokane: Spokane County Courthouse (1116 W Broadway Ave).
• Tacoma: Pierce County County-City Building (930 Tacoma Ave S).
• Vancouver: Clark County Courthouse (1200 Franklin St).

Notable County Differences

Washington's counties provide different levels of support to accommodate jurors:

• King County (Seattle/Kent): King County operates on a "Two Days or One Trial" system. One of the best perks in the state is the free public transit pass; your summons acts as a valid fare on King County Metro and Sound Transit for your reporting date. Parking in downtown Seattle is not reimbursed, so transit is highly recommended.
• Pierce County (Tacoma): Jurors in Tacoma are provided with a dedicated free parking lot. You must display the parking permit portion of your summons on your dashboard to avoid ticketing. Pierce County also utilizes a robust automated call-in system to prevent unnecessary trips to the courthouse.
• Spokane County Logistics: Spokane jurors report to the historic 1895 courthouse. The county provides an online "Juror Portal" where you can complete your orientation video and submit hardship requests digitally.

Real-World Case: 5-Day Trial in Seattle, WA

To help you understand how Washington's compensation works in practice, let’s look at a typical 5-day service stint for a juror reporting to the King County Courthouse in downtown Seattle.

Frequently Asked Questions — Washington Jury Duty

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

Washington state courts pay jurors $10/day. Federal courts in Washington pay $50/day (days 1–10) and $60/day after 10 days. Mileage reimbursement is $0.25/mi.

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

Self-employed individuals in Washington 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 Washington require grand jury pay?

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

Where do I report for jury duty in Washington?

Your summons specifies the exact courthouse. Washington's major jury courts are located in Seattle, Spokane, Tacoma, Vancouver, Bellevue. Always confirm your reporting location on your official summons document — never assume based on proximity.