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Jury Duty Guide
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Missouri Jury Duty Guide (2026)

What Missouri 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
At least $6/day by statute (RSMo 494.455); many counties pay more, and a county may adopt a system paying $50/day from the third day with nothing for the first two
Transportation & parking
Yes — mileage at the state-employee rate (RSMo 494.455 references the state travel rate), not a fixed jury figure.
Overnight / special circumstances
No — set per diem. Sequestration is handled by the court.

Employer requirements

Employer required to pay
No — Missouri does not require employers to pay wages; employers may not require the use of annual, vacation, personal, or sick leave for jury service (RSMo 494.460)
Job protection law
Yes — RSMo 494.460 bars terminating, disciplining, or threatening an employee for jury service, with lost wages, reinstatement, and attorney fees
Exemptions
Excusals for undue or extreme hardship or public necessity; no broad occupational exemptions

Additional information

Court applicability
Applies to Circuit Courts, including the Associate Circuit division.
Common questions

Missouri jury duty FAQ

How much does Missouri pay for jury duty?
At least $6/day by statute (RSMo 494.455); many counties pay more, and a county may adopt a system paying $50/day from the third day with nothing for the first two. Yes - mileage at the state-employee rate (RSMo 494.455 references the state travel rate), not a fixed jury figure.
Do employers in Missouri have to pay employees during jury duty?
No - Missouri does not require employers to pay wages; employers may not require the use of annual, vacation, personal, or sick leave for jury service (RSMo 494.460)
What job protections exist for jurors in Missouri?
Yes - RSMo 494.460 bars terminating, disciplining, or threatening an employee for jury service, with lost wages, reinstatement, and attorney fees
Who can be exempt from jury duty in Missouri?
Excusals for undue or extreme hardship or public necessity; no broad occupational exemptions
Where can I find the official Missouri jury duty information?
You can find official information about jury duty in Missouri on the official court website or by reviewing the relevant statutes, both linked on this page.