Jury Duty Pay in Kentucky

About Jury Duty in Kentucky

Kentucky pays jurors $12.50 per day ($5 base compensation + $7.50 expense allowance) — among the lowest nominal rates in the country. However, the state has strong penalties for employers who retaliate: firing or penalizing an employee for jury service is a Class B misdemeanor (up to 90 days jail and/or $250 fine) under KRS 29A.990.

How Jury Pay Works

Under KRS § 29A.170 (compensation) and § 29A.160 (employer duties), jurors receive $5/day plus a $7.50 expense allowance. Mileage reimbursement typically follows the federal GSA rate. The rate structure means a full week of service pays $62.50 before mileage.

The Employer Penalty: Criminal, Not Civil

Kentucky’s juror protection is unusual in its criminal dimension. While most states provide civil remedies (back pay, reinstatement), Kentucky makes employer retaliation a Class B misdemeanor — a criminal offense. Under KRS 29A.990, an employer who discharges or threatens an employee for jury service faces potential jail time, not just a lawsuit. This is not “contempt of court” as sometimes reported — it’s a standalone criminal charge.

Employer Obligations

Kentucky employers are not required to pay wages during jury service. The criminal penalty for retaliation provides a strong deterrent but doesn’t address the underlying wage-loss issue that makes jury service difficult for hourly workers.

How Kentucky Compares

Kentucky’s $12.50/day is among the lowest rates in the country. The criminal penalty for employer retaliation is unique — most states treat this as a civil matter. Neighboring Tennessee pays $10/day but requires employer wage continuation for employees with 6+ months tenure. Federal jurors in Kentucky’s two districts receive $50/day.

Statute: Ky. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 29A.170 (compensation); § 29A.160 (employer duties); § 29A.990 (penalties) — Official source