Montana Jury Duty Guide (2026)

What Montana 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/day for attendance, plus an additional $13/day for jurors selected and serving on a case, so $25/day while serving (MCA 3-15-201)

Transportation & parking

Yes — mileage each way between home and court at the state-employee 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 — Montana has no statute requiring private employers to pay wages during jury service (MCA 2-18-619 covers state employees only)

Job protection law

Yes — Montana has no dedicated private-sector jury statute, but firing someone for jury service is an unlawful discharge under the Wrongful Discharge from Employment Act (MCA 39-2-904)

Exemptions

Excusals under MCA 3-15-313 for undue hardship, chronic incapacity, or age and health; some occupations may claim excusal

Additional information

Court applicability

Applies to District Court.

Common questions

Montana jury duty FAQ

How much does Montana pay for jury duty?

$12/day for attendance, plus an additional $13/day for jurors selected and serving on a case, so $25/day while serving (MCA 3-15-201). Yes - mileage each way between home and court at the state-employee rate, not a fixed jury figure.

Do employers in Montana have to pay employees during jury duty?

No - Montana has no statute requiring private employers to pay wages during jury service (MCA 2-18-619 covers state employees only)

What job protections exist for jurors in Montana?

Yes - Montana has no dedicated private-sector jury statute, but firing someone for jury service is an unlawful discharge under the Wrongful Discharge from Employment Act (MCA 39-2-904)

Who can be exempt from jury duty in Montana?

Excusals under MCA 3-15-313 for undue hardship, chronic incapacity, or age and health; some occupations may claim excusal

Where can I find the official Montana jury duty information?

You can find official information about jury duty in Montana on the official court website or by reviewing the relevant statutes, both linked on this page.