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Jury Duty Guide
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Federal Jury Duty Guide (2026)

What the federal courts pay 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
$50/day attendance fee; a petit juror serving more than 10 days on one case, or a grand juror serving more than 45 days, may receive up to $60/day at the judge's discretion (28 U.S.C. § 1871)
Transportation & parking
Yes — mileage at the rate set by the Administrative Office (the GSA/IRS rate, about 72.5¢ per mile for 2026), round trip by the shortest practical route. Tolls and parking may also be reimbursed.
Overnight / special circumstances
Yes — a subsistence allowance and per diem for meals and lodging are paid when an overnight stay is required.

Employer requirements

Employer required to pay
No — the employer is not required to pay wages, but federal law bars discharge, intimidation, or coercion for federal jury service (28 U.S.C. § 1875)
Job protection law
Yes — 28 U.S.C. § 1875 protects jurors' employment in federal court
Exemptions
Exempt groups include active-duty armed forces, professional fire and police, and public officers actively engaged in official duties (28 U.S.C. § 1863)

Additional information

Court applicability
Applies to U.S. District Courts. Appellate courts do not use juries.
Common questions

Federal jury duty FAQ

How much does Federal pay for jury duty?
$50/day attendance fee; a petit juror serving more than 10 days on one case, or a grand juror serving more than 45 days, may receive up to $60/day at the judge's discretion (28 U.S.C. § 1871). Yes - mileage at the rate set by the Administrative Office (the GSA/IRS rate, about 72.5¢ per mile for 2026), round trip by the shortest practical route. Tolls and parking may also be reimbursed.
Do federal employers have to pay employees during jury duty?
No - the employer is not required to pay wages, but federal law bars discharge, intimidation, or coercion for federal jury service (28 U.S.C. § 1875)
What job protections exist for jurors in federal court?
Yes - 28 U.S.C. § 1875 protects jurors' employment in federal court
Who can be exempt from jury duty in federal court?
Exempt groups include active-duty armed forces, professional fire and police, and public officers actively engaged in official duties (28 U.S.C. § 1863)
Where can I find the official Federal jury duty information?
You can find official information about jury duty in Federal on the official court website or by reviewing the relevant statutes, both linked on this page.