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

South Carolina Jury Duty Guide (2026)

What South Carolina 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
Per diem set by each county, from about $2 to $12.50/day (some counties pay more, such as $25), plus mileage (SC Code § 14-7-1370)
Transportation & parking
Yes — mileage each day at the state-employee rate (SC Code § 14-7-1370), which for 2026 is about 72.5¢ per mile.
Overnight / special circumstances
No — set per diem. Sequestered jurors are provided for at court direction.

Employer requirements

Employer required to pay
No — South Carolina does not require employers to pay wages during jury service
Job protection law
Yes — SC Code § 41-1-70 bars dismissing or demoting an employee for jury service, with damages up to one year's salary for a dismissal
Exemptions
Discretionary excusal for hardship; statutory excusals under SC Code §§ 14-7-810 and 14-7-820, including people 65 or older on request

Additional information

Court applicability
Applies to Circuit Courts (General Sessions and Common Pleas).
Common questions

South Carolina jury duty FAQ

How much does South Carolina pay for jury duty?
Per diem set by each county, from about $2 to $12.50/day (some counties pay more, such as $25), plus mileage (SC Code § 14-7-1370). Yes - mileage each day at the state-employee rate (SC Code § 14-7-1370), which for 2026 is about 72.5¢ per mile.
Do employers in South Carolina have to pay employees during jury duty?
No - South Carolina does not require employers to pay wages during jury service
What job protections exist for jurors in South Carolina?
Yes - SC Code § 41-1-70 bars dismissing or demoting an employee for jury service, with damages up to one year's salary for a dismissal
Who can be exempt from jury duty in South Carolina?
Discretionary excusal for hardship; statutory excusals under SC Code §§ 14-7-810 and 14-7-820, including people 65 or older on request
Where can I find the official South Carolina jury duty information?
You can find official information about jury duty in South Carolina on the official court website or by reviewing the relevant statutes, both linked on this page.