Jury Duty & Employee Wages
Under federal law, employer policies regarding pay for jury duty are at the discretion of employers. Some states, however, require employers to pay employees while they serve on jury duty. Employees should learn their own employer's policy and the law in their state, and give notice to the employer as soon as possible if called to serve on jury duty.
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Jury Pay
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Federal jurors receive $40.00 a day for jury service. For a trial that lasts more than 10 days, jurors can receive up to $50.00 a day after the 10th day. Jurors are also reimbursed for allowable transportation expenses and parking fees. Jurors also receive a subsistence allowance that covers the cost of meals and overnight lodging if needed.
Federal Law
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Federal law leaves it up to employers whether to pay the salaries of workers while they serve on jury duty. Some employers may pay full salaries to employees on jury duty, while others may pay full wages, but the employee must turn over his juror payment to the employer in exchange for these wages. Some employers pay the difference between the regular employee salary and the jury service fee.
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State Law
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Employers in most states are not required by law to pay employees for jury duty. The states that do require it are Alabama, Connecticut, Colorado, Massachusetts and New York. The amount that must be paid to employees varies from state to state, so check your state laws to learn their provisions.
Threats and Coercion
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It is against federal law for any employer to fire, threaten, intimidate or coerce any employee who is serving on jury duty. An employer who violates this law is subject to a fine up to $5,000.00 for each violation, and can be ordered to perform community service. Legal action can be taken against the employer for any loss to the employee of wages or benefits.
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