How Much Do You Get Paid for Jury Duty in Missouri?
Missouri jury duty pay depends on whether the case is in state or federal court. For state-court service, the standard statutory payment is modest: $6 for each day or part of a day served, plus mileage. Federal jurors receive a higher daily fee. County practices, travel reimbursement, and an employer’s pay policy can also affect what a person receives. Knowing which court summoned a juror—and what the summons says—helps set realistic expectations.
Missouri State Jury Duty Pay
Missouri law sets the basic compensation for people serving on state-court juries. Under Missouri Revised Statutes section 494.455, a juror generally receives $6 for each day or fraction of a day of service, along with mileage reimbursement for necessary travel to and from court. The statutory mileage rate is 7 cents per mile.
That means a person who reports and serves for only part of a day may still qualify for the daily amount. The mileage payment is separate from the $6 daily fee; it is intended to reimburse qualifying travel rather than compensate a juror for time away from work. Actual payment procedures and timing are handled through the court or county that summoned the juror.
For example, a state-court juror who serves one day and travels 40 miles round trip would receive the $6 daily fee plus the mileage amount calculated under the court’s rules. At 7 cents per mile, 40 reimbursable miles would equal $2.80 in mileage, for a total of $8.80. This example illustrates the statutory calculation; the court determines what travel qualifies and how it is recorded.
Can Missouri Counties Pay More?
The statutory figure is a baseline, but local compensation can vary. Missouri law allows county commissions to provide additional juror compensation under certain circumstances. As a result, some counties may pay more than the basic state amount or use local procedures that affect the final payment. A statewide figure should not be assumed to describe every county’s current practice.
The most reliable source for a specific summons is the circuit court or jury office named on it. County court websites may publish a jury-duty FAQ with current rates, mileage rules, payment methods, and expected processing times. If that information is not available online, the jury office can confirm the amount before or during service.
- Check the court name: State-court jury service is administered through a Missouri circuit court.
- Check local instructions: The summons or court’s website may explain county supplements and mileage procedures.
- Keep travel details: Follow the court’s instructions for reporting mileage, parking, or other permitted expenses.
Missouri State Court and Federal Court Pay Compared
A jury summons may come from either a Missouri state court or a federal court located in the state. These are separate court systems with different compensation rules. Federal jury service is not paid at the Missouri state-court rate.
Federal jurors generally receive $50 per day for service. Under federal rules, the daily fee may increase to $60 for petit jurors after 10 days of service, and for grand jurors after 45 days. Federal jurors may also be reimbursed for qualifying travel expenses, such as mileage or public transportation, and may receive certain allowances for meals or lodging when applicable. The federal court provides the governing instructions.
| Type of jury service | Typical daily fee | Travel reimbursement |
|---|---|---|
| Missouri state court | $6 per day or part of a day under the state statute; a county may provide additional compensation | State statutory mileage rate is 7 cents per mile, subject to court procedures |
| Federal court in Missouri | $50 per day initially; eligible long-serving jurors may receive $60 per day | Qualifying travel expenses are reimbursed under federal court rules |
These figures are not interchangeable. The name and address of the issuing court on the summons identify the system. A summons from a U.S. District Court is federal; a summons from a Missouri Circuit Court is state. Jurors should use the court’s own instructions for current rates and expense claims.
Does an Employer Have to Pay Wages During Jury Duty?
Missouri law generally does not require a private employer to continue an employee’s regular wages during jury service. Whether an employee receives normal pay, partial pay, or unpaid time off usually depends on the employer’s policy, a collective bargaining agreement, or an employment contract. The court’s juror fee is separate from an employer’s paycheck and is not a substitute for a guaranteed wage.
Missouri law does protect employees from being discharged, disciplined, or otherwise penalized simply because they are summoned for or serve on jury duty. Employees should give their employer a copy of the summons as soon as possible and follow the workplace’s notification procedures. If an employer threatens a worker over jury service, the employee can contact the court or seek advice from an appropriate employment-law resource.
Federal wage rules may also matter for salaried employees classified as exempt. In general, an employer cannot make improper deductions from an exempt employee’s salary for a week in which the employee performs work. Federal regulations allow certain deductions for jury fees received by the employee, subject to the salary-basis rules. Because individual circumstances and state protections can differ, employees should consult their human resources department or a qualified employment professional rather than assume that every paycheck is handled the same way.
How Long Does Jury Duty Pay Take?
Payment timing depends on the court’s administrative process. Some courts issue payment after service ends; others process checks or electronic payments on a regular schedule. Mileage and other reimbursements may require a separate form or may be included with the juror payment. The summons, orientation materials, or jury office can explain whether payment is mailed, deposited, or collected at the courthouse.
Jurors should make sure the court has accurate contact and payment information and should submit any required mileage record before leaving or by the stated deadline. If payment has not arrived within the timeframe provided, contacting the jury office is usually more effective than contacting the judge or clerk assigned to the case.
What Jury Duty Pay Usually Does Not Cover
The daily juror fee is not designed to replace an entire paycheck. It may not cover lost wages, childcare, pet care, parking, meals, or other costs associated with being away from home. Some expenses may qualify for reimbursement under the court’s rules, but jurors should not assume that every out-of-pocket cost will be repaid.
Before reporting, jurors can review the court’s instructions about parking, public transportation, food, and whether personal expenses may be claimed. Keeping receipts is sensible when the court says an expense could be reimbursable. Employer benefits may make a significant difference, so workers should check whether their workplace offers paid jury leave or requires jurors to turn over the court fee.
What Happens If a Juror Is Excused or Does Not Serve a Full Day?
Payment eligibility can depend on whether a person reports, is selected, or is excused, as well as the court’s local procedure. Missouri’s statute refers to compensation for each day or fraction of a day served, but the jury office should confirm how a particular appearance is classified and whether mileage is payable. A person who reports and is released early should follow the instructions given at check-in.
Someone who needs to postpone service or request an excuse should use the process stated in the summons. A payment question is not a reason to ignore a summons: failing to appear without permission may lead to additional court action. The court can explain available deferrals, hardship requests, and reporting requirements.
How to Find the Exact Amount for a Missouri Jury Summons
For an accurate estimate, jurors can check three details: the court system, the number of days served, and the local travel-payment rules. The daily amount for a state case is generally the statutory $6, while local county supplements may apply. A federal case uses federal compensation rules instead.
- Identify the issuing court. Look for “Circuit Court” or “United States District Court” on the summons.
- Review the jury information. Check the court website or the instructions enclosed with the summons for payment and mileage details.
- Ask about local additions. Confirm whether the county supplements the state fee and how mileage is calculated.
- Check employer policy. Ask whether jury leave is paid and whether the employer requires reimbursement of the court fee.
- Save payment records. Keep any court payment statement and mileage documentation for personal records and tax preparation.
Is Jury Duty Pay Taxable?
Jury-service fees are generally treated as taxable income under federal tax rules. A juror may need to report the payment even if the amount is small; whether a court issues a tax form depends on applicable reporting requirements and the total paid. Reimbursements for qualifying expenses are generally distinct from compensation, but their tax treatment can depend on how the payment is categorized.
Employees whose employers continue their regular wages may be asked to remit jury fees to the employer under workplace policy or federal wage rules. Jurors should keep court payment records and ask a tax professional about their own filing situation if the treatment is unclear. The court can explain what it paid, but it does not provide individualized tax advice.
Bottom Line on Missouri Jury Duty Compensation
For Missouri state-court service, the standard statutory payment is $6 per day or part of a day, plus mileage at 7 cents per mile. A county may provide additional compensation, so local court information matters. Federal jurors generally receive $50 per day initially, with a higher rate for qualifying extended service. Since employers are not generally required by Missouri law to pay ordinary wages during jury duty, workers should check company policy as well as the court’s payment instructions.