Jury Duty Pay in Wyoming

About Jury Duty in Wyoming

Wyoming pays $30 per day base rate, with a discretionary increase to $50/day after 5 consecutive days of service. The state has the lowest population in the nation (~587,000) and only 23 counties — some courthouses serve geographic areas larger than Massachusetts. Jurors may need to drive 2+ hours each way across high plains and mountain passes.

How Jury Pay Works

Under Wyo. Stat. Ann. § 1-11-303, all jurors receive $30/day. After 5 consecutive days (excluding weekends and holidays), the court may allow an additional $20/day at its discretion, bringing the total to $50/day. Mileage reimbursement typically follows the federal GSA rate, which is critically important given Wyoming’s travel distances. The state has strong anti-retaliation protections: employers cannot discharge, threaten, or intimidate employees for jury service, with exemplary damages up to $1,000 per violation (Wyo. Stat. Ann. § 1-11-401).

The Low-Population Challenge

Wyoming’s population density — about 6 people per square mile — is the second-lowest in the country after Alaska. Counties like Niobrara (population ~2,300) and Hot Springs (population ~4,500) have adult populations small enough that assembling a representative jury pool is a genuine challenge. Sweetwater County (~10,500 square miles) and Carbon County (~7,900 square miles) each exceed Massachusetts in land area.

The state has adapted with centralized jury management and a willingness to draw jurors from wider geographic areas than would be practical in more densely populated states. A juror in southwestern Carbon County might drive 100 miles to the courthouse in Rawlins — and receive $30 plus mileage.

The Energy Economy

Wyoming’s economy — dominated by energy extraction (coal, oil, natural gas), tourism (Yellowstone, Grand Teton), and agriculture — means a significant percentage of the workforce is in industries with variable schedules. Energy companies typically continue full salary for permanent employees; contract workers and seasonal staff rely on the $30/day state rate.

How Wyoming Compares

Wyoming’s $30/$50 rate is above the national median. Neighboring South Dakota pays $50/day flat and Montana pays $12/$25. North Dakota pays $50/$100 per half/full day. Federal jurors in Wyoming’s single district receive $50/day — matching Wyoming’s top tier, making the state-federal gap one of the smallest in the country for longer trials.

Statute: Wyo. Stat. Ann. § 1-11-303 — Official source