The summons is sitting on your kitchen counter next to the mail you have not opened. You do the obvious math first: what does this cost me? In Washington, the answer starts at $10 a day.
How much does jury duty pay in Washington state? In state court, $10 a day is the going rate. Benton County pays exactly that, plus mileage at the state rate, loaded onto a debit card when you check in. Municipal courts can pay up to $25 a day under state law, but $10 is the floor and, in practice, the number most jurors see.
How much does jury duty pay in Washington state: the two systems
Federal court is a different country. In the Western District of Washington, jurors get $50 a day, rising to $60 after the 10th day for trial jurors and the 45th for grand jurors. Mileage runs $0.76 a mile, bus fare and ferry tickets are reimbursed without receipts, and if you live more than 60 miles from the courthouse they cover the hotel. Same state, five times the pay, because it is federal money.
If the math does not work, you have two moves. Washington courts grant postponements: Benton County lets you request a different term by email if you have a conflict, and you get re-summoned later. Financial hardship is the other route, and it is a real excuse in most courts, not a loophole. What you cannot do is ignore the summons. In Washington, failing to appear is a misdemeanor, and a warrant is the expensive version of a $10 day.
Now the part that stings. Washington does not require your employer to pay you during jury duty. Some states do: Alabama and Colorado mandate regular pay, Massachusetts covers the first three days, New York requires the first $40 of wages for three days at larger employers. Washington is not one of them. So the $10 is not a supplement to your wages. For a lot of people, it is the wages.
Frequently asked questions
How much do Washington state courts pay jurors per day?
$10 a day is the standard rate. Benton County pays $10 per day plus mileage at the state rate on a debit card issued at check-in. Municipal courts may pay anywhere from $10 to $25 per day, set by the city.
How much does federal jury duty pay in Washington?
$50 per day, rising to $60 per day after the 10th day for trial jurors and the 45th day for grand jurors. Mileage is $0.76 per mile for automobiles, and bus fare, ferry tickets, tolls, and parking are fully reimbursed.
Does Washington require employers to pay during jury duty?
No. Washington does not require private employers to pay regular wages during jury service, though employers may not fire or retaliate against you for serving. Many large employers pay voluntarily, so check your handbook. The state-by-state breakdown is in the guide on employer jury duty pay requirements.
Is jury duty pay taxable?
Yes. Jury duty pay is federal taxable income. If your employer pays your salary during service and requires you to turn over the juror fee, you can generally deduct the turned-over amount. See is jury duty pay taxable for the filing details.
Do Washington jurors get mileage reimbursement?
State courts reimburse mileage at the state rate on top of the daily pay. Federal courts in Washington pay $0.76 per mile for automobiles, plus bus fare, ferry tickets, toll bridge, and parking charges, with no receipts required.