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Jury Duty Guide
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California Jury Duty Guide (2026)

What California pays for jury service, whether your employer has to keep paying you, and the exemptions and job protections the law gives you.

Updated for 2026 Last verified: Jun 10, 2026
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Jury pay & compensation

Daily jury pay
$15/day for each day after the first (no fee for day 1); fees and mileage begin the second day of service (Code of Civil Procedure § 215)
Transportation & parking
Yes — 34¢ per mile, one way only (home to courthouse), for each mile after the first day (Code of Civil Procedure § 215). Fixed statutory rate, not the IRS rate.
Overnight / special circumstances
No — set per diem. Sequestered jurors are housed and fed at court expense.

Employer requirements

Employer required to pay
No — private employers are not required to pay, though some public employees keep their pay. Labor Code § 230 bars retaliation but does not mandate wages.
Job protection law
Yes — Cal. Labor Code § 230 bars discharging or discriminating against an employee for jury service with reasonable notice
Exemptions
No — occupational exemptions; excusal only for undue hardship under Judicial Council rules; breastfeeding mothers may postpone up to one year; certain peace officers are exempt

Additional information

Court applicability
Applies to Superior Courts. Traffic and small claims courts do not conduct jury trials.
Common questions

California jury duty FAQ

How much does California pay for jury duty?
$15/day for each day after the first (no fee for day 1); fees and mileage begin the second day of service (Code of Civil Procedure § 215). Yes - 34¢ per mile, one way only (home to courthouse), for each mile after the first day (Code of Civil Procedure § 215). Fixed statutory rate, not the IRS rate.
Do employers in California have to pay employees during jury duty?
No - private employers are not required to pay, though some public employees keep their pay. Labor Code § 230 bars retaliation but does not mandate wages.
What job protections exist for jurors in California?
Yes - Cal. Labor Code § 230 bars discharging or discriminating against an employee for jury service with reasonable notice
Who can be exempt from jury duty in California?
No occupational exemptions; excusal only for undue hardship under Judicial Council rules; breastfeeding mothers may postpone up to one year; certain peace officers are exempt
Where can I find the official California jury duty information?
You can find official information about jury duty in California on the official court website or by reviewing the relevant statutes, both linked on this page.