California Jury Duty Laws: Pay, Employer Rules & Exemptions (2026)
Sourced · some details unconfirmed
Short answer: $15/day starting on day 2; day 1 is unpaid. Statewide rate. Must your employer pay you? No Updated
| Juror pay | $15/day starting on day 2; day 1 is unpaid. Statewide rate. |
|---|---|
| Mileage / travel | $0.34/mile one way, from day 2; public-transit reimbursement under CCP § 215(d) |
| Must employers pay you? | No |
| Job protection | Employers may not fire or discriminate against an employee who takes time off for jury duty with reasonable notice (Cal. Lab. Code § 230). (unconfirmed) |
| Age exemption | No age exemption. (unconfirmed) |
| How often you can be called | Generally not more than once every 12 months. (unconfirmed) |
| Length of service | One day or one trial. (unconfirmed) |
| Penalty for not showing up | Sanctions up to $1,500 (CCP § 209). (unconfirmed) |
Note: The AB 1981 pilot paid $100/day and $0.67/mile in some courts (e.g., San Bernardino, Alameda). San Bernardino ended it on 5/19/2025. Some courts may still run pilots, and SF's 'Be the Juror' low-income program is separate. The base $15/$0.34 is confirmed; non-pay fields were not re-verified.
Law
- Cal. Code Civ. Proc. § 215
- Cal. Code Civ. Proc. § 241
- Cal. Code Civ. Proc. § 209
- Cal. Lab. Code § 230
Sources
- law.justia.com/codes/california/code-ccp/part-1/title-3/chapter-1/section-215
- sanbernardino.courts.ca.gov/system/files/general/suspensionofjurypilotprogramab1981.pdf
- a24.asmdc.org/press-releases/20220916-bill-expand-travel-options-and-create-pilot-increase
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Before You Go
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does jury duty pay in California?
$15/day starting on day 2; day 1 is unpaid. Statewide rate.
Does my employer have to pay me for jury duty in California?
No
Can I be fired for jury duty in California?
Employers may not fire or discriminate against an employee who takes time off for jury duty with reasonable notice (Cal. Lab. Code § 230). (unconfirmed)
Is there an age limit for jury duty in California?
No age exemption. (unconfirmed)
What happens if you miss jury duty in California?
Sanctions up to $1,500 (CCP § 209). (unconfirmed)