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Jury Duty Guide
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Massachusetts Jury Duty Guide (2026)

What Massachusetts 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
Employer pays the first 3 days as regular wages; the Commonwealth pays $50/day starting day 4 (and pays up to $50/day for the first 3 days if the court excuses an employer for hardship)
Transportation & parking
No — separate statutory mileage - the daily fee is the compensation.
Overnight / special circumstances
No — set per diem. If a jury is sequestered, the court arranges and pays for meals and lodging.

Employer requirements

Employer required to pay
Yes — the employer pays regular wages for the first 3 days of service (MGL c.234A § 48)
Job protection law
Yes — MGL c.234A § 61 bars discharging, intimidating, or coercing an employee for jury service
Exemptions
Citizens 18 to 70 must serve; people 70 and older may request permanent disqualification; standard hardship and medical excusals through the Office of Jury Commissioner

Additional information

Court applicability
Applies to Superior Court, District Court, and the Boston Municipal Court.
Common questions

Massachusetts jury duty FAQ

How much does Massachusetts pay for jury duty?
Employer pays the first 3 days as regular wages; the Commonwealth pays $50/day starting day 4 (and pays up to $50/day for the first 3 days if the court excuses an employer for hardship). No separate statutory mileage - the daily fee is the compensation.
Do employers in Massachusetts have to pay employees during jury duty?
Yes - the employer pays regular wages for the first 3 days of service (MGL c.234A § 48)
What job protections exist for jurors in Massachusetts?
Yes - MGL c.234A § 61 bars discharging, intimidating, or coercing an employee for jury service
Who can be exempt from jury duty in Massachusetts?
Citizens 18 to 70 must serve; people 70 and older may request permanent disqualification; standard hardship and medical excusals through the Office of Jury Commissioner
Where can I find the official Massachusetts jury duty information?
You can find official information about jury duty in Massachusetts on the official court website or by reviewing the relevant statutes, both linked on this page.