Massachusetts Jury Duty Laws: Pay, Employer Rules & Exemptions (2026)
Short answer: Employers pay regular wages for the first 3 days. From day 4, the Commonwealth pays $50/day. Must your employer pay you? Yes, first 3 days at regular wages for regularly employed jurors. A court may excuse an employer for extreme hardship, in which case the state pays reasonable compensation. Updated
| Juror pay | Employers pay regular wages for the first 3 days. From day 4, the Commonwealth pays $50/day. |
|---|---|
| Must employers pay you? | Yes, first 3 days at regular wages for regularly employed jurors. A court may excuse an employer for extreme hardship, in which case the state pays reasonable compensation. |
| Job protection | Employers may not penalize jurors (G.L. c. 234A). Penalty details not re-verified. |
| Age exemption | 70+ may request excusal. (unconfirmed) |
| How often you can be called | Generally not more than once every 3 years. (unconfirmed) |
| Length of service | One day or one trial. (unconfirmed) |
| Penalty for not showing up | Fine up to $2,000. (unconfirmed) |
Note: Pay rules confirmed from mass.gov and malegislature.gov; non-pay fields were not re-verified. Unemployed jurors may get expenses for days 1-3 (amount not confirmed).
Law
- G.L. c. 234A, § 48
- G.L. c. 234A, § 49
- G.L. c. 234A, § 51
Sources
- www.mass.gov/info-details/learn-about-compensation-for-jury-duty
- mass.gov/info-details/massachusetts-law-about-employment-leave-for-jury-duty
- malegislature.gov/Laws/GeneralLaws/PartIII/TitleII/Chapter234A/Section51
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Before You Go
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does jury duty pay in Massachusetts?
Employers pay regular wages for the first 3 days. From day 4, the Commonwealth pays $50/day.
Does my employer have to pay me for jury duty in Massachusetts?
Yes, first 3 days at regular wages for regularly employed jurors. A court may excuse an employer for extreme hardship, in which case the state pays reasonable compensation.
Can I be fired for jury duty in Massachusetts?
Employers may not penalize jurors (G.L. c. 234A). Penalty details not re-verified.
Is there an age limit for jury duty in Massachusetts?
70+ may request excusal. (unconfirmed)
What happens if you miss jury duty in Massachusetts?
Fine up to $2,000. (unconfirmed)