Jury Duty Pay in Virginia

About Jury Duty in Virginia

Virginia raised juror pay from $30 to $50 per day effective July 1, 2023, via HB 2317/SB 789 — matching the federal jury rate. The state has deep historical roots: the first English settlement at Jamestown (1608) held a council tribunal, though formal jury trials came later. Today’s Virginia blends that history with the practical challenges of a modern, diverse state.

How Jury Pay Works

Virginia uses a flat $50/day rate for all jurors, with no tiered structure. Mileage reimbursement typically follows the federal GSA rate. The state does not mandate employer pay during jury service. For comparison, nearby Washington DC jurors also receive $50/day plus a $7 travel stipend.

Independent Cities: A Unique Jurisdictional Quirk

Virginia has 38 independent cities that are not part of any county. Cities like Richmond, Alexandria, and Virginia Beach operate their own court systems entirely separate from the surrounding counties. This creates some of the smallest jury pool jurisdictions in the country — Falls Church City, for example, has about 15,000 residents but must still assemble jury panels.

The independent city system means a resident of Arlington County and a resident of the City of Alexandria live next door to each other but report to entirely separate jury systems with different facilities, parking arrangements, and administrative practices.

Fairfax County and Northern Virginia

Fairfax County alone summons over 100,000 jurors yearly — one of the highest volumes on the East Coast outside of New York City. The county’s jury operations are among the most sophisticated in the state, with online check-in and a modern assembly facility. Northern Virginia’s high cost of living makes the $50/day rate competitive but not generous, especially compared to federal jury service at the same rate with better mileage reimbursement.

Employer Obligations

Virginia employers are not required to pay wages during jury service. They cannot fire or penalize employees, but there is no compensation mandate. Federal government employees and military personnel — a significant portion of Northern Virginia’s workforce — typically receive full pay during jury service under federal personnel rules.

How Virginia Compares

Virginia’s $50/day rate is now competitive nationally, exceeding North Carolina’s graduated $12–$40/day and matching federal jury service. The increase from $30 to $50 in 2023 was a significant improvement, bringing Virginia from below-average to among the better-paying states.

Statute: Va. Code Ann. § 17.1-618 — Official source