Why Does Jury Duty Pay So Little? (The History & Future of Juror Pay)
Ever wondered why jury duty pay is only $9 to $15 a day in most states? We explain the history behind these outdated rates and current efforts to fix them.
State-specific guides, legal tips, and everything you need to know about jury duty compensation in the US.
Federal courts pay $50–$60/day. State courts pay $6–$50/day. But what about mileage, employer pay, and your legal rights? This complete guide covers everything you need to know before you report for jury duty.
Read Full Guide →Ever wondered why jury duty pay is only $9 to $15 a day in most states? We explain the history behind these outdated rates and current efforts to fix them.
Find out which US states pay the highest daily rates for jury duty in 2026. See the top 10 ranked states for juror compensation.
How long does it take to get paid for jury duty? Learn the standard payment timelines, whether you get a check or debit card, and what to expect.
A step-by-step guide on how to get paid for your jury service, claim your mileage reimbursement, and handle employer letters.
Do courts pay for a hotel if you live far away or get sequestered? Learn the rules for jury duty hotel accommodations and travel reimbursements.
You know jury duty pay is subject to federal income tax, but what about state taxes? Learn how different states handle juror compensation on your taxes.
Compare federal and state mileage reimbursement rates for jury duty in 2026. See how much the court pays you for gas and driving.
What are jury duty fees? We clarify the difference between the compensation the court pays you, and the fines you pay if you ignore a summons.
Are hourly workers entitled to paid time off for jury duty? Discover the labor laws that protect hourly, part-time, and shift workers.
Learn how to accurately calculate your lost wages and duration of service to prepare a compelling financial hardship excuse letter.
As a salaried exempt employee, your pay is heavily protected by the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). In most cases, your employer ...
For individuals relying on Social Security, SSDI, or SSI, reporting additional income can be a source of anxiety. Fortunately, the...
Union workers often enjoy greater protections than the average employee. When it comes to jury duty, your Collective Bargaining Ag...
Tipped employees, such as servers and bartenders, face a unique financial burden when summoned for jury duty. Because their base h...
To get excused from jury duty due to financial hardship, you can't just tell the judge 'I will lose money.' You must prove that th...
Temporary and seasonal workers exist in a grey area of employment law. When a jury summons arrives, knowing who is responsible for...
Traveling to a downtown courthouse can be expensive. Between high-priced parking garages, tolls, and public transit fees, serving ...
Federal and state employees enjoy robust paid jury duty benefits. However, if you are a contractor working for a government agency...
Even in states with strong worker protections that mandate employer-paid jury duty, there is almost always a cap on how many days ...
For stay-at-home parents or dual-income households, being called for jury duty often means scrambling to find childcare. Unfortuna...
Fake court calls and arrest threats are on the rise. Learn the 5 red flags of a jury duty scam and how the real court operates.
Learn how grand jury pay compares to regular trial jury pay, duration, duties, and compensation.
Complete guide on reporting jury duty compensation on your federal and state tax returns.
Learn valid reasons for getting out of jury duty, including financial hardship and medical exemptions.
Understand your legal rights, anti-retaliation laws, and what to do if an employer threatens your job.
How freelancers and self-employed individuals can claim financial hardship or manage the income loss.
Which states legally require employers to pay your regular salary during jury service?
Federal courts pay more than most state courts. Learn about federal jury pay rates and escalation.
What to expect regarding jury duty length, from one day or one trial to extended grand jury service.
How to track and claim your mileage for driving to and from the courthouse.
First time called for jury duty? Here is what to wear, what to bring, and what to expect.
Need a jury duty hardship letter? Use our proven templates and examples to request a financial or medical excusal.
Learn about state-specific pay laws for teachers and how to handle classroom coverage.
Sales professionals often lose significant income during jury duty. Learn how to document lost commissions.
Can a Green Card holder serve on a jury? Learn why permanent residents are typically disqualified.
Managing a business during jury duty is a challenge. Learn how to apply for business hardship.
Worried about your unemployment benefits? Learn how jury duty affects your weekly certification.
What is jury nullification? Learn about the power of jurors to vote 'not guilty' regardless of evidence.
Serving on a jury can be traumatic. Learn how to recognize signs of trial-related stress.
Can you work from home while on jury duty? Learn the rules for remote work during court recess.
Active duty military have specific jury duty rights. Learn about federal exemptions and pay laws.
Alabama pays jurors $10/day. Employer pay required. Learn mileage reimbursement, employer obligations, and your legal rights.✅ Employer Pay Required
Alaska pays jurors $25/day. High mileage rate. Learn mileage reimbursement, employer obligations, and your legal rights.
Arizona pays jurors $12/day. Maricopa County busiest. Learn mileage reimbursement, employer obligations, and your legal rights.
Arkansas pays jurors $50/day. Highest state pay (tied). Learn mileage reimbursement, employer obligations, and your legal rights.
California pays jurors $15/day. Day 1 is unpaid. Learn mileage reimbursement, employer obligations, and your legal rights.
Colorado pays jurors $50/day. Employer pays 3 days. Learn mileage reimbursement, employer obligations, and your legal rights.✅ Employer Pay Required
Connecticut pays jurors $50/day. Employer pays 5 days. Learn mileage reimbursement, employer obligations, and your legal rights.✅ Employer Pay Required
Delaware pays jurors $20/day. Corporate legal hub. Learn mileage reimbursement, employer obligations, and your legal rights.
Florida pays jurors $15/day. County-based rules. Learn mileage reimbursement, employer obligations, and your legal rights.
Georgia pays jurors $25/day. $5 Day 1, $25 from Day 2. Learn mileage reimbursement, employer obligations, and your legal rights.
Hawaii pays jurors $30/day. Above-average pay. Learn mileage reimbursement, employer obligations, and your legal rights.
Idaho pays jurors $10/day. Flat rate all days. Learn mileage reimbursement, employer obligations, and your legal rights.
Illinois pays jurors $25/day. No mileage reimbursement. Learn mileage reimbursement, employer obligations, and your legal rights.
Indiana pays jurors $15/day. Consistent flat rate. Learn mileage reimbursement, employer obligations, and your legal rights.
Iowa pays jurors $30/day. Generous Midwest rate. Learn mileage reimbursement, employer obligations, and your legal rights.
Kansas pays jurors $10/day. High mileage $0.47/mi. Learn mileage reimbursement, employer obligations, and your legal rights.
Kentucky pays jurors $12.50/day. Fixed state rate. Learn mileage reimbursement, employer obligations, and your legal rights.
Louisiana pays jurors $25/day. Employer pays Day 1. Learn mileage reimbursement, employer obligations, and your legal rights.✅ Employer Pay Required
Maine pays jurors $15/day. Standard New England rate. Learn mileage reimbursement, employer obligations, and your legal rights.
Maryland pays jurors $15/day. Major federal cases here. Learn mileage reimbursement, employer obligations, and your legal rights.
Massachusetts pays jurors $50/day. Employer pays first 3 days. Learn mileage reimbursement, employer obligations, and your legal rights.✅ Employer Pay Required
Michigan pays jurors $22/day. Above Midwest average. Learn mileage reimbursement, employer obligations, and your legal rights.
Minnesota pays jurors $20/day. Standard mileage rate. Learn mileage reimbursement, employer obligations, and your legal rights.
Mississippi pays jurors $25/day. Flat state circuit rate. Learn mileage reimbursement, employer obligations, and your legal rights.
Missouri pays jurors $6/day. Lowest in the US. Learn mileage reimbursement, employer obligations, and your legal rights.
Montana pays jurors $12/day. Long travel distances. Learn mileage reimbursement, employer obligations, and your legal rights.
Nebraska pays jurors $35/day. Employer pays entire service. Learn mileage reimbursement, employer obligations, and your legal rights.✅ Employer Pay Required
Nevada pays jurors $40/day. Las Vegas high-profile trials. Learn mileage reimbursement, employer obligations, and your legal rights.
New Hampshire pays jurors $10/day. Standard Northeast rate. Learn mileage reimbursement, employer obligations, and your legal rights.
New Jersey pays jurors $40/day. $5 Day 1, $40 from Day 2. Learn mileage reimbursement, employer obligations, and your legal rights.
New Mexico pays jurors $20/day. Bernalillo County busy. Learn mileage reimbursement, employer obligations, and your legal rights.
New York pays jurors $72/day. Employer pays first 3 days. Learn mileage reimbursement, employer obligations, and your legal rights.✅ Employer Pay Required
North Carolina pays jurors $12/day. Charlotte & Raleigh busy. Learn mileage reimbursement, employer obligations, and your legal rights.
North Dakota pays jurors $50/day. Highest state pay (tied). Learn mileage reimbursement, employer obligations, and your legal rights.
Ohio pays jurors $10/day. Lowest mileage $0.07/mi. Learn mileage reimbursement, employer obligations, and your legal rights.
Oklahoma pays jurors $20/day. District court rate. Learn mileage reimbursement, employer obligations, and your legal rights.
Oregon pays jurors $10/day. Portland metro busy. Learn mileage reimbursement, employer obligations, and your legal rights.
Pennsylvania pays jurors $9/day. 2nd lowest in the US. Learn mileage reimbursement, employer obligations, and your legal rights.
Rhode Island pays jurors $15/day. Smallest state, close courts. Learn mileage reimbursement, employer obligations, and your legal rights.
South Carolina pays jurors $10/day. No mileage reimbursement. Learn mileage reimbursement, employer obligations, and your legal rights.
South Dakota pays jurors $10/day. Flat rate all service. Learn mileage reimbursement, employer obligations, and your legal rights.
Tennessee pays jurors $10/day. Employer pays up to 10 days. Learn mileage reimbursement, employer obligations, and your legal rights.✅ Employer Pay Required
Texas pays jurors $40/day. $6 Day 1, $40 from Day 2. Learn mileage reimbursement, employer obligations, and your legal rights.
Utah pays jurors $18.50/day. Highest mileage $1.00/mi. Learn mileage reimbursement, employer obligations, and your legal rights.
Vermont pays jurors $30/day. Generous New England rate. Learn mileage reimbursement, employer obligations, and your legal rights.
Virginia pays jurors $30/day. Northern VA courts busiest. Learn mileage reimbursement, employer obligations, and your legal rights.
Washington pays jurors $10/day. King County very active. Learn mileage reimbursement, employer obligations, and your legal rights.
West Virginia pays jurors $40/day. Surprisingly high pay. Learn mileage reimbursement, employer obligations, and your legal rights.
Wisconsin pays jurors $16/day. Standard Midwest rate. Learn mileage reimbursement, employer obligations, and your legal rights.
Wyoming pays jurors $30/day. Least populous state. Learn mileage reimbursement, employer obligations, and your legal rights.
Jump directly to any state guide:
Expert answers to the most common jury duty questions — exemptions, rights, taxes, and more.
Learn the 10 most accepted grounds for jury duty excusal — medical conditions, financial hardship, caregiving, and more. Step-by-step exemption guide.
Self-employed jurors only get the court stipend — no employer pay. Learn how to apply for hardship exemptions and claim tax deductions for lost income.
Grand jury service can last up to 18 months. Learn how grand jury pay, duties, and duration compare to regular trial jury service across all US courts.
Yes — jury duty pay is taxable ordinary income. Learn exactly how to report it on your federal and state tax returns and what deductions are available.
Federal courts pay $50/day (rising to $60/day after 10 days) plus IRS mileage at $0.725/mile. Get the complete federal juror compensation guide.
From $0.07/mile in Ohio to $2.00/mile in DC. Learn your state's mileage rate and how to claim every mile and parking receipt from the court.
No employer can legally fire you for serving jury duty. Learn your full anti-retaliation rights in all 50 states and what to do if your employer retaliates.
Most jury duty lasts 1-3 days. But complex cases can run for months. Learn average jury duty duration by case type, and how to plan ahead.
First-time juror? Here's exactly what to expect on Day 1 — what to wear, what to bring, courthouse etiquette, and how to prepare for jury selection.
Federal law doesn't require employer pay — but 9 states do. Find out which states mandate pay, for how long, and what to do if your employer refuses.
Recommended services to keep you secure, informed, and comfortable during your jury duty.
Protect your personal data and credit from jury summons scams with industry-leading security from LifeLock.
Need help with hardship documentation or understanding laws? LegalZoom offers affordable legal forms.
Find the best courthouse gear on Amazon — from portable chargers to ergonomic cushions.