Is an employer required to pay an employee for jury duty time?

No. In California, an employer generally is not required by law to compensate an employee for time spent on jury duty, although the employee must be given protected time off to serve. Cal. Lab. Code § 230(a)[2] Judicial Branch of California, Employer Information [1]

California rule

The California courts state plainly:

“State law does not require employers to compensate employees who are absent because of jury service.” [1]

At the same time, California law prohibits an employer from discharging or discriminating against an employee for taking time off to serve as required by law on a jury, so long as the employee gives reasonable notice. Cal. Lab. Code § 230(a)[2]

Important nuance

• Pay is generally not required for jury service. [1]
• Time off is protected; the employer cannot retaliate for lawful jury-duty absence. Cal. Lab. Code § 230(a)[2]
• Many employers choose to provide jury-leave pay as a policy matter. [1]
• If the employer does pay the employee, California courts note that certain juror payments may be refundable to the employer by the employee, but the courts do not reimburse the employer directly. [1]