Quick Summary: Federal jury duty pay is standardized across all 94 U.S. District Courts. In 2026, jurors earn $50/day (Day 1-10) and $60/day (Day 11+), plus IRS-standard mileage. This guide explains the federal "step-up" pay rule, subsistence allowances for long-distance travel, and why federal employees are exempt from the daily stipend.
The Federal Standard: 28 U.S.C. § 1871
While state jury pay is a patchwork of inconsistent rates (some as low as $5), federal jury pay is governed by a singular act of Congress: 28 U.S.C. § 1871. This ensures that whether you serve in the busy Southern District of New York or the District of Montana, your base compensation remains the same.
The federal government views jury service as a vital constitutional function, and while $50/day doesn't replace most salaries, it is significantly higher than the average state rate of roughly $15–$20/day.
Petit Jury vs. Grand Jury: Pay Increments
Federal pay isn't flat; it increases based on the length of your service. However, the "pay jump" triggers at different times depending on the type of jury you serve on.
1. Petit Jury (Trial Jury)
These jurors decide the outcome of a single civil or criminal trial.
- Days 1–10: $50.00 per day.
- Day 11 and Beyond: $60.00 per day.
- Length of Service: Usually 1–2 weeks, though complex fraud or federal conspiracy trials can last months.
2. Grand Jury
These jurors decide if there is enough evidence to bring an indictment (charges) against someone. They serve longer terms but meet less frequently.
- Days 1–45: $50.00 per day.
- Day 46 and Beyond: $60.00 per day.
- Length of Service: Can last up to 18 months, typically meeting 1–4 times per month.
Subsistence Allowance & Overnight Stays
Federal district courts cover vast geographical areas. A juror in the Northern District of California might live 150 miles from the San Francisco courthouse. If you live a significant distance away (usually 50–75 miles), you may qualify for a Subsistence Allowance.
- Lodging: The court reimburses the actual cost of your hotel up to the maximum GSA Per Diem rate for that city.
- Meals: You receive a flat meals and incidental expense (M&IE) rate for each day you are in travel status.
- Prerequisite: You must receive prior approval from the Jury Clerk before booking a hotel.
Mileage & Parking: Beyond the Stipend
In addition to your $50 daily fee, the court pays for your travel costs:
- IRS Mileage Rate: As of 2026, federal jurors are reimbursed at $0.67 per mile (subject to annual IRS updates) for round-trip travel between their home and the courthouse.
- Parking Fees: Nearly all federal courts reimburse for parking at local garages. You must typically provide a receipt or use a court-validated garage.
- Public Transit: Bus, subway, and train fares (including Amtrak or commuter rail) are fully reimbursable.
Special Rules for Federal Employees
If you are a W-2 employee of the federal government (e.g., USPS, FBI, VA, etc.), 18 U.S.C. § 6322(a) applies to you. You do not receive the $50 daily fee. Instead, you receive your full regular salary for the duration of your jury service. This is considered "Jury Leave."
⚠️ Important: Federal employees do still receive mileage and parking reimbursements, as these are not considered "pay" but rather an expense offset.
Taxation & Your Employer
Like all income, federal jury pay is taxable. If you earn more than $600 in a year, the court will issue a Form 1099-G. If your employer continues to pay your salary while you serve, they may require you to turn over your $50 fee to them. If you do this, you can deduct that amount from your tax return (see our Jury Tax Guide).
Locating Your Federal District Court
There are 94 districts. Most states have several (e.g., Northern, Southern, Eastern, Western). It is vital to respond to the summons at the specific courthouse listed, as federal summons carry stricter penalties for non-compliance than many municipal courts.
Legal Authority & Federal Statutes
Federal juror rights and pay are codified in the following laws:
28 U.S.C. § 1871(b)(1)
"A juror shall be paid an attendance fee of $50 per day for each day's attendance. A petit juror required to attend more than ten days in hearing one case may be paid, in the discretion of the court, an additional fee... not to exceed $10 more than the attendance fee."
Expanded FAQ on Federal Jury Duty Pay
For trial (petit) jurors, it increases on the 11th day of the trial. For grand jurors, it increases on the 46th day of service. This extra $10 is intended to help offset the increased financial burden of a long trial.
Most federal courts process payments weekly or bi-weekly. Funds are typically sent via direct deposit or a paper check sent to the address on your summons. Your mileage reimbursement is included in this same payment.
Yes, in roughly 80% of states, the $50 federal rate is higher. For example, in New Jersey, state jury pay is only $5/day, while the federal court in Newark pays $50/day. However, in states like Arkansas or Colorado, the state rate is also $50/day, making them equal.
Generally, no. Jurors are expected to pay for their own meals unless the jury is sequestered (held overnight and not allowed to leave). Some courthouses have cafeterias with juror discounts, but the $50 fee is intended to cover your daily expenses including lunch.
In massive districts (like Alaska or Hawaii), air travel may be authorized. You must coordinate this directly with the Jury Clerk. The court will either book the flight for you or reimburse you for the lowest coach-class fare available.
Yes. The rule against receiving the $50 fee only applies to Federal employees. State, county, and municipal employees are generally entitled to receive the $50 federal daily fee even if their employer continues to pay their salary.
There is no cap on the number of miles, but the court uses "standard distance" tables to verify your address against the courthouse. You cannot take a long scenic route and bill for it; they pay for the shortest direct route.
You receive the full $50 daily fee even if you only serve for 1 hour. If you report to the courthouse but are not selected for a jury, you still receive the $50 plus mileage for that day.
No. You are only paid for "reporting" days. If you check the automated phone system and it says "Do not report today," you do not receive the daily fee or mileage for that day.
The base fee is set by law, but judges have discretion in long trials to "step up" the pay to $60 earlier than day 11 if they believe the circumstances warrant it, though this is rare.
Calculate Your Federal Jury Pay
Our tool is updated for 2026 federal mileage rates and pay increments. See exactly what your weekly check will look like including per diem estimates.
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