Illinois Jury Duty Laws: Pay, Employer Rules & Exemptions (2026)
Short answer: County-set and varies. 55 ILCS 5/4-11001 lists $25 for the first day and $50/day after (or more if the county board sets it), but that version, from P.A. 98-1132, has been reported as held unconstitutional (Kakos v. Butler, 2016). Cook County raised pay to $30/day plus a $5 travel stipend in June 2022. Must your employer pay you? No. 2026 HB 4844, which would require employers with more than 25 workers to pay regular wages, is pending. Updated
How sure is this? We could not fully confirm Illinois's current rules from an official source. The statutory floor's validity is uncertain after Kakos v. Butler. Madison County still lists $25/$50, while Cook County is reported at $30, though one source says $35. Check the county. Check your summons or call your county jury office before relying on it.
| Juror pay | County-set and varies. 55 ILCS 5/4-11001 lists $25 for the first day and $50/day after (or more if the county board sets it), but that version, from P.A. 98-1132, has been reported as held unconstitutional (Kakos v. Butler, 2016). Cook County raised pay to $30/day plus a $5 travel stipend in June 2022. |
|---|---|
| Must employers pay you? | No. 2026 HB 4844, which would require employers with more than 25 workers to pay regular wages, is pending. |
| Job protection | Employers must give time off on notice and may not penalize jurors (705 ILCS 305/4.1). |
Law
- 55 ILCS 5/4-11001
- 705 ILCS 305/4.1
Sources
- ilga.gov/legislation/ilcs/documents/005500050K4-11001.htm
- www.madisoncountyil.gov/departments/jury_commissions/work_issues.php
- news.wttw.com/2021/11/18/cook-county-juror-pay-double-next-year-under-new-measure
- ilga.gov/documents/legislation/104/HB/PDF/10400HB4844.pdf
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Before You Go
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does jury duty pay in Illinois?
County-set and varies. 55 ILCS 5/4-11001 lists $25 for the first day and $50/day after (or more if the county board sets it), but that version, from P.A. 98-1132, has been reported as held unconstitutional (Kakos v. Butler, 2016). Cook County raised pay to $30/day plus a $5 travel stipend in June 2022.
Does my employer have to pay me for jury duty in Illinois?
No. 2026 HB 4844, which would require employers with more than 25 workers to pay regular wages, is pending.
Can I be fired for jury duty in Illinois?
Employers must give time off on notice and may not penalize jurors (705 ILCS 305/4.1).