Quick Summary: Summonsed to a US District Court? Federal jury duty pays a standard **$50 per day** for the first 10 days, increasing to **$60 per day** starting on Day 11. Jurors are also reimbursed daily for travel at the official IRS mileage rate, alongside validated parking and potential subsistence allowances for overnight stays.
Opening your mailbox to find a jury summons can bring on a mix of civic pride and immediate financial concern. But when that summons is stamped with the seal of a United States District Court, you are dealing with the federal court system rather than your local county or state court.
Federal trials often deal with complex, high-stakes matters, meaning they can last longer than standard municipal traffic or civil disputes. Fortunately, federal juror compensation is generally higher and far more consistent than what most state courts pay. In this comprehensive, human-centric guide, we will outline exactly how much federal jury duty pays in 2026, how travel and travel allowances work, and how federal rates stack up against state courts.
Federal Daily Juror Fees: The $50 & $60 Rules
Unlike state courts, where pay scales vary wildly from border to border, federal juror pay is strictly governed by federal law—specifically 28 U.S.C. § 1871. This ensures that whether you are serving in a federal court in New York City or rural Wyoming, your daily pay rate is exactly the same.
The federal daily compensation structure is built on a two-tiered system designed to help offset the financial strain of longer trials:
- The First 10 Days ($50.00/day): For your first ten days of attendance (including the jury selection or voir dire process, even if you aren't ultimately selected), you will receive a flat fee of $50.00 per day.
- The "Long-Trial Bump" ($60.00/day): If a trial is highly complex and runs for 11 days or longer, the daily rate for petit (trial) jurors increases to $60.00 per day starting on Day 11. This rate is retroactive only for the days served after the 10-day mark.
- Federal Grand Jurors ($60.00/day after Day 45): Because grand juries meet periodically over months rather than daily, the long-trial bump to $60.00/day kicks in starting on the 46th day of active service.
💡 Note on Employer Pay Policies: Many federal employers (and some progressive private companies) continue to pay your full salary while serving. If your company pays you in full, check their handbook—they may require you to turn your $50/day court check over to them.
Federal Travel & Mileage Reimbursement
Commuting to a federal courthouse often involves a much longer drive than traveling to your local county seat, as federal districts cover vast geographic areas. To make up for this, the federal court system provides comprehensive travel reimbursements:
1. The IRS Standard Mileage Rate
If you drive your personal vehicle to the courthouse, you will be reimbursed for every round-trip mile you travel each day. The reimbursement rate is tied directly to the official IRS standard business mileage rate. For both directions of your commute, you will receive this flat per-mile payment, which is completely tax-free because it acts as an expense reimbursement.
2. Parking, Tolls, and Public Transit
Courthouses are usually located in dense downtown metropolitan areas where parking can be incredibly expensive. Federal courts address this by validating parking at designated garages near the courthouse, or by reimbursing you for parking fees and highway tolls. If you commute via train, subway, or bus, you can submit your ticket receipts to the court clerk for reimbursement.
Subsistence & Lodging: Jurors Who Live Far Away
Because federal judicial districts cover entire states or large regions, some jurors live too far from the courthouse to reasonably drive back and forth every day (typically defined as a one-way commute of 50 to 60 miles or more).
If you fall into this category, the court clerk will authorize a subsistence allowance. This allowance covers the cost of a hotel stay and meals near the courthouse during the trial. The allowance is based on the official General Services Administration (GSA) per diem rates for that specific city. The clerk’s office will help coordinate lodging and provide the current local rates when you check in.
How Federal Jury Pay Compares to State Pay
How does the federal rate stack up against local courts? In short, federal pay is almost always the superior rate. While a few states with progressive laws match the federal rate, many states pay little more than pocket change.
Here is a direct comparison of the federal rate against various state-level juror pay policies:
How to Receive Your Federal Jury Pay
You do not need to invoice the court or submit complex invoices to receive your check. The jury assembly room tracks your attendance using digital scanner cards or attendance sheets.
At the end of each week, or upon the completion of the trial, the clerk's office processes the attendance logs and travel expenses. Payments are typically issued via a paper check mailed to your residential address, though some modern federal districts offer direct deposit options.
Remember that while the court will not withhold taxes from your daily stipend, your juror fees are taxable federal income. If your total compensation exceeds $600, you will receive a Form 1099-G in January to help you report the income on your taxes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Federal courts pay $50 per day for the first 10 days of service, and $60 per day for days 11 and beyond. Mileage is reimbursed at the 2026 IRS rate of $0.725/mile.
Federal pay ($50/day) equals the highest state court rates and exceeds most. State rates range from $6/day (Missouri) to $50/day (Arkansas, Colorado, Connecticut, Massachusetts, North Dakota).
Federal trial jury service typically lasts the duration of the trial, which can range from 1 day to several months. Federal grand jury service can last up to 18 months, meeting 1–2 days per week.
Yes, federal courts generally reimburse parking expenses. The specific amount varies by courthouse. Check with the clerk's office at your assigned federal courthouse.
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