A federal jury summons comes with a flat daily rate, and the number is public: $50 a day. That is the whole federal jury duty pay per day story in one sentence, but the sentence leaves out the mileage, the tolls, the long-trial bump, and the job protections that are quietly stronger than what most states offer. Here is the full picture.
Federal jury duty pay per day: the numbers
Every juror who reports to a U.S. District Court gets $50 per day of attendance, set by 28 U.S.C. 1871. That covers both trial jurors and grand jurors, and it starts on day one, including the days you show up for jury selection and never get picked. You get paid for reporting, not for being chosen.
Long trials pay more. If a trial runs past ten days on the same case, the judge can raise the daily fee to $60. Grand jurors become eligible for the bump after 45 days of service. It is discretionary, not automatic, so some jurors on long cases stay at $50. But the ceiling is real, and on an 18-month grand jury term it adds up.
Travel is where federal service beats most state courts. Jurors get mileage reimbursement at the federal rate, around 72.5 cents a mile in 2026, plus full reimbursement for tolls, bridges, tunnels, and ferries. Some districts cover parking. Run the example: you live 30 miles from the courthouse. That is 60 miles round trip, about $43.50 in mileage, plus your $50 attendance fee. Your day pays roughly $93.50 before tax.
What your employer does and does not owe you
Federal law does not require private employers to pay your regular wages during jury service. The $50 is between you and the court. Roughly a dozen states impose their own employer-pay requirements, so check your state's rules, but federally there is no mandate.
What federal law does give you is protection. Under 28 U.S.C. 1875, no employer may fire, threaten, intimidate, or coerce you for serving on a federal jury. Violations carry civil penalties up to $5,000 per employee, plus liability for your lost wages and benefits, plus a court order to reinstate you with full seniority. If you are fired, the district court can appoint an attorney to represent you at no cost. That is a stronger shield than most state laws offer.
Federal government employees are the special case: they keep their regular salary as court leave for the whole service period. They do not get the $50 on top. Any attendance fee received gets returned to the agency, though travel reimbursements stay with the employee.
The tax part and the waiting part
Jury duty pay is taxable income. You report it on Schedule 1 of your 1040. If your employer pays your full salary during service and requires you to hand over the court fee, you deduct the amount you remitted, so you are only taxed on money you kept. Keep the pay stub from the court and any receipt showing you turned it over.
And do not spend it yet. Federal courts typically mail jury payments 30 to 60 days after your service ends. The check comes. It just travels at the speed of government.
Frequently asked questions
How much does federal jury duty pay per day?
Federal jurors receive $50 per day of attendance under 28 U.S.C. 1871. On trials running more than ten days, the judge can raise it to $60 per day. Grand jurors become eligible for the higher rate after 45 days.
Do I get paid for jury selection days if I am not picked?
Yes. The $50 attendance fee covers every day you are required to report, including selection days when you are dismissed without being seated on a panel.
Does federal jury duty pay for mileage?
Yes. Federal jurors get mileage reimbursement at the federal rate, plus full reimbursement for tolls, bridges, tunnels, and ferries. Some districts also cover parking.
Does my employer have to pay me during federal jury duty?
No. Federal law does not require private employers to continue your wages during service. About a dozen states have their own employer-pay rules, so check your state.
Is jury duty pay taxable?
Yes. Report it on Schedule 1 of your 1040. If your employer paid your salary and required you to turn over the court fee, you can deduct the amount you remitted.
Run the numbers for your situation.
The Jury Duty Pay Calculator estimates your court pay, including daily rates, mileage, and employer rules.