When you think of jury duty, you probably picture a two-day trial. But a grand jury summons means you might be serving once a week for six months. With that kind of time commitment, the pay has to be better... right?
The Difference in Service
A petit (regular) jury decides if someone is guilty in a specific trial. A grand jury listens to prosecutors present evidence over several months to decide if there is enough evidence to even bring charges (indict) in multiple cases. Because it's a long-term commitment, the compensation structure is heavily scrutinized.
State Grand Jury Pay
In most states, the brutal truth is that grand jurors are paid the exact same daily rate as regular jurors. If your state pays $15 a day for regular jury duty, you will get $15 for every day you show up to grand jury duty. There is no 'bonus' for the long-term commitment.
Federal Grand Jury Pay
Federal grand juries operate slightly differently. The federal system pays a much higher base rate (currently $50 per day in 2026). Additionally, if a federal grand juror serves more than 45 days, the daily rate can increase up to $60 per day at the discretion of the judge. Federal courts also provide standard mileage reimbursement.
Employer Compensation
This is where things get tricky. Even if your employer offers paid jury leave, many companies cap it at 3 to 5 days. Since a grand jury can last for weeks or months, you might quickly exhaust your paid leave. Always check your employee handbook specifically for 'Grand Jury Leave' clauses.