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Jury Duty Guide
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Kentucky Jury Duty Guide (2026)

What Kentucky 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
$12.50/day total ($5 jury fee plus $7.50 expense reimbursement) for each required day, even if not sworn (KRS § 29A.170)
Transportation & parking
No — separate mileage - travel is covered within the flat $7.50/day expense reimbursement.
Overnight / special circumstances
No — set per diem. Overnight or sequestered jurors are accommodated at court discretion.

Employer requirements

Employer required to pay
No — the employer is not required to pay wages; KRS § 29A.160 bars depriving or coercing the employee
Job protection law
Yes — KRS § 29A.160 bars depriving, threatening, or coercing an employee for jury service; a discharged employee may sue within 90 days, and violation is a Class B misdemeanor
Exemptions
No — automatic occupational exemptions; excusal or disqualification for undue hardship, age, or inability to serve at the court's discretion

Additional information

Court applicability
Applies to Circuit and District Courts.
Common questions

Kentucky jury duty FAQ

How much does Kentucky pay for jury duty?
$12.50/day total ($5 jury fee plus $7.50 expense reimbursement) for each required day, even if not sworn (KRS § 29A.170). No separate mileage - travel is covered within the flat $7.50/day expense reimbursement.
Do employers in Kentucky have to pay employees during jury duty?
No - the employer is not required to pay wages; KRS § 29A.160 bars depriving or coercing the employee
What job protections exist for jurors in Kentucky?
Yes - KRS § 29A.160 bars depriving, threatening, or coercing an employee for jury service; a discharged employee may sue within 90 days, and violation is a Class B misdemeanor
Who can be exempt from jury duty in Kentucky?
No automatic occupational exemptions; excusal or disqualification for undue hardship, age, or inability to serve at the court's discretion
Where can I find the official Kentucky jury duty information?
You can find official information about jury duty in Kentucky on the official court website or by reviewing the relevant statutes, both linked on this page.