All 50 states + federal courts Updated for 2026
Jury Duty Guide
Find your state →

Pennsylvania Jury Duty Guide (2026)

What Pennsylvania 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
Choose a different state → Print this guide

Jury pay & compensation

Daily jury pay
$9/day for the first 3 days in a calendar year, then $25/day after (42 Pa.C.S. § 4561)
Transportation & parking
Yes — a fixed statutory travel allowance of 17¢ per mile round trip; no travel allowance is paid in the First Judicial District (Philadelphia) (42 Pa.C.S. § 4561). Not the IRS rate.
Overnight / special circumstances
No — set per diem. Sequestered jurors are provided for at court direction.

Employer requirements

Employer required to pay
No — employers are not required to pay for time lost to jury service (42 Pa.C.S. § 4563)
Job protection law
Yes — 42 Pa.C.S. § 4563 bars depriving of employment, seniority, position, or benefits, or threatening or coercing, for jury service; a summary offense with civil remedies
Exemptions
No — automatic occupational exemptions; discretionary excusal for hardship (42 Pa.C.S. § 4503); disqualifications under § 4502

Additional information

Court applicability
Applies to Courts of Common Pleas.
Common questions

Pennsylvania jury duty FAQ

How much does Pennsylvania pay for jury duty?
$9/day for the first 3 days in a calendar year, then $25/day after (42 Pa.C.S. § 4561). Yes - a fixed statutory travel allowance of 17¢ per mile round trip; no travel allowance is paid in the First Judicial District (Philadelphia) (42 Pa.C.S. § 4561). Not the IRS rate.
Do employers in Pennsylvania have to pay employees during jury duty?
No - employers are not required to pay for time lost to jury service (42 Pa.C.S. § 4563)
What job protections exist for jurors in Pennsylvania?
Yes - 42 Pa.C.S. § 4563 bars depriving of employment, seniority, position, or benefits, or threatening or coercing, for jury service; a summary offense with civil remedies
Who can be exempt from jury duty in Pennsylvania?
No automatic occupational exemptions; discretionary excusal for hardship (42 Pa.C.S. § 4503); disqualifications under § 4502
Where can I find the official Pennsylvania jury duty information?
You can find official information about jury duty in Pennsylvania on the official court website or by reviewing the relevant statutes, both linked on this page.