How Jury Duty Affects Your Paycheck

Understanding Your Pay During Jury Duty

Scenario 1: Employer Pays Full Salary

Best case scenario. Many employers voluntarily continue paying full wages during jury duty, even when not legally required. In this case:

• Your paycheck remains unchanged
• You may keep jury pay as extra income (check policy)
• Or employer may require you to sign over jury pay
• No financial impact to you

Scenario 2: Employer Pays Partial Salary

Some employers pay the difference between jury pay and your regular salary:

• You receive jury pay from the court
• Employer pays the gap to match your normal wages
• Total income equals your regular pay
• Common in states with partial pay requirements

Scenario 3: Employer Doesn't Pay

Most common scenario. You receive only jury duty compensation:

• Income drops to $15-50 per day
• Significant financial impact for most workers
• May use PTO to supplement (if allowed)
• Financial hardship exemption may be available

Calculating Your Actual Impact

Use this formula to understand your pay impact:

Example Calculation

For a worker earning $65,000/year serving 5 days in a state paying $25/day:

• Daily salary: $65,000 ÷ 260 = $250/day
• Jury duty pay: $25/day
• Daily gap: $250 - $25 = $225/day
• 5-day total loss: $225 × 5 = $1,125

Strategies to Minimize Financial Impact

Before Jury Duty

• Review your employer policy - Know what pay to expect
• Check your state laws - Some states mandate employer pay
• Request deferral if timing is financially difficult
• Claim financial hardship if applicable
• Save in advance if you can anticipate service

During Jury Duty

• Use PTO strategically - Some employers allow this
• Work partial days - If court releases early
• Track all expenses - Mileage, parking, meals
• Request attendance certificates - For documentation

After Jury Duty

• Submit expense claims promptly
• Document for taxes - Jury pay is taxable
• Verify paycheck accuracy
• Report any employer retaliation

Using PTO for Jury Duty

Whether you can (or should) use PTO for jury duty varies:

• Some states prohibit employers from requiring PTO use
• Others allow employers to require it
• Using PTO means you get full pay but lose vacation time
• May be worth it for short-term service

What About Benefits?

Good news: Most employment benefits continue during jury duty:

• Health insurance: Continues normally
• Retirement: 401(k) contributions may be affected by lower pay
• PTO accrual: Usually continues
• Seniority: Time counts toward tenure