Jury Duty Pay in Idaho

About Jury Duty in Idaho

Idaho juror pay ranges from $10 to $50 per day as determined by county commissioners under Idaho Code § 2-215. The $10 figure is the statutory minimum, not the universal rate — many counties set higher amounts. Rural jurors may face long drives (50+ miles each way) in Idaho’s large, sparsely populated counties.

How Jury Pay Works

Each county’s board of commissioners sets the daily rate within the $10–$50 statutory range. Mileage reimbursement typically follows the federal GSA rate. Employer protection is under Idaho Code § 2-218.

The Rural Distance Challenge

Idaho’s geography — particularly in counties like Idaho, Valley, and Owyhee — means some jurors travel substantial distances. The $10 minimum in these counties can make jury service a net financial loss after accounting for gas and time. Counties with higher costs of living or larger tax bases tend to pay above the minimum.

Employer Obligations

Idaho employers are not required to pay wages during jury service but cannot penalize employees. Major Boise-area employers (Micron, St. Luke’s Health System, Simplot) typically continue salary for permanent employees. Agricultural and seasonal workers, common in Idaho’s economy, generally rely on the county-set rate.

How Idaho Compares

Idaho’s $10–$50 county-set range mirrors Kansas’s $10–$50 range. Neighboring Washington allows $10–$25/day, Oregon pays $10/$25 in circuit courts, and Utah pays $18.50/$49. Federal jurors in Idaho’s single district receive $50/day.

Statute: Idaho Code § 2-215 — Official source