Your Employer MUST Pay You During Jury Duty in These States (2026)
Most people assume that jury duty pay is just whatever the court gives you — usually a laughably small amount. What many don't realize is that in a significant number of states, your employer is legally required to keep paying your wages while you're in the jury box.
Here's the breakdown of where this applies, what the rules actually say, and what happens if your boss says no.
States That Require Employers to Pay Full Wages
| State | Employer Must Pay | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| New York | Full wages (up to $40/day max) | First 3 days |
| Massachusetts | Full regular wages | First 3 days |
| Connecticut | Full regular wages | First 5 days |
| Tennessee | Full regular wages | First 10 days |
| Nebraska | Full regular wages | First 6 days |
| Louisiana | Full regular wages | First day only |
| Alabama | Regular wages | Entire service |
| Georgia | Regular wages | Entire service (≤5 employees exempt) |
| Colorado | $50/day minimum (or regular wages if lower) | Entire service |
States Where Employers Can Choose to Pay (But Don't Have To)
In the majority of states — including California, Florida, Texas, Pennsylvania, and Illinois — employers have no legal obligation to pay you during jury duty. They may do so voluntarily, and many larger companies do, but it's not required.
Before your service begins, check your employee handbook or ask HR directly. Phrases like "jury duty pay supplement" or "jury service leave" in your benefits section mean your employer will top up the court's payment.
What If Your Employer Refuses to Pay (And They're Required To)?
If you live in a state with mandatory employer pay and your boss refuses, you have real options:
- Document everything. Put the request in writing (email is fine) and keep your jury duty summons and attendance records.
- Show them the law. Many employers simply don't know what's required. A friendly email with a link to the state statute often resolves it.
- File a wage claim. Your state's Department of Labor handles these. In most states, this is free and relatively fast.
- Talk to an employment attorney. If you've lost significant wages and your employer is being uncooperative, a free consultation with an employment lawyer can clarify your options.
Can Your Employer Fire You for Going to Jury Duty?
No. Every state and the federal government prohibits firing, threatening, or penalizing employees for jury service. This protection applies even in states where employers don't have to pay — the job protection is nationwide.
If you face retaliation, that's a much more serious legal issue than the pay dispute, and you should contact an employment attorney immediately.
Tips for Handling Jury Duty With Your Employer
- Notify your employer as soon as you receive your summons — don't wait until the day before
- Provide a copy of your jury summons to HR
- Ask specifically about your company's jury duty pay policy
- Keep records of all your attendance at court
- Bring documentation of your jury service when you return to work
Frequently Asked Questions
Does my employer have to pay me for jury duty?
It depends on your state. States like New York, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Tennessee, Alabama, and Georgia require employers to pay employees during jury duty for varying durations. Most states, including California, Florida, and Texas, do not require employer pay.
How many days does my employer have to pay for jury duty?
The duration varies by state. Connecticut requires 5 days, New York and Massachusetts require 3 days, Tennessee requires 10 days, and some states like Alabama require payment for the entire service. Most states have no employer pay requirement at all.
What happens if my employer refuses to pay me during jury duty?
If your state requires employer pay and your employer refuses, you can file a wage claim with your state Department of Labor. You may also want to consult an employment attorney. Employers who violate jury duty pay laws can face fines and civil liability.