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Jury Duty Guide
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Illinois Jury Duty Guide (2026)

What Illinois 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
$25 the first day and $50 each day after (705 ILCS 305/), or a higher amount set by the county board
Transportation & parking
Mileage and transportation reimbursement is set by each county board and varies; jurors may waive the transportation fee.
Overnight / special circumstances
No — set per diem. Court-ordered day-care costs may be reimbursed (705 ILCS 305/); sequestered juries are accommodated by the court.

Employer requirements

Employer required to pay
No — the employer is not required to pay an employee for jury time (705 ILCS 305/4.1)
Job protection law
Yes — 705 ILCS 305/4.1 bars discharging, threatening, intimidating, or coercing an employee for jury service, with lost wages, reinstatement, and attorney fees
Exemptions
Illinois has largely eliminated occupational exemptions; excusal or postponement for undue hardship or extreme inconvenience at the court's discretion

Additional information

Court applicability
Applies to Circuit Courts.
Common questions

Illinois jury duty FAQ

How much does Illinois pay for jury duty?
$25 the first day and $50 each day after (705 ILCS 305/), or a higher amount set by the county board. Mileage and transportation reimbursement is set by each county board and varies; jurors may waive the transportation fee.
Do employers in Illinois have to pay employees during jury duty?
No - the employer is not required to pay an employee for jury time (705 ILCS 305/4.1)
What job protections exist for jurors in Illinois?
Yes - 705 ILCS 305/4.1 bars discharging, threatening, intimidating, or coercing an employee for jury service, with lost wages, reinstatement, and attorney fees
Who can be exempt from jury duty in Illinois?
Illinois has largely eliminated occupational exemptions; excusal or postponement for undue hardship or extreme inconvenience at the court's discretion
Where can I find the official Illinois jury duty information?
You can find official information about jury duty in Illinois on the official court website or by reviewing the relevant statutes, both linked on this page.