Judge Salary in 2026
Preside over legal proceedings, hear evidence, and make decisions based on law.
Median Salary
$148,000
$12,333/mo
Entry Level
$105,000
starting pay
Senior Level
$195,000
experienced
Job Growth
+1%
10-yr outlook
Judge Overview
Preside over legal proceedings, hear evidence, and make decisions based on law.
Education
J.D.
Experience
10+ years
Industry
Law
Total Jobs (US)
31K
5-Year Growth
+3%
Category
Law
Hourly Rate
$71.15/hr
Monthly Pay
$12,333
Judge Salary Calculator
Adjust your state and experience level to see the estimated Judge salary in your area.
Mid Career (5-9 yrs)
Estimated Judge Salary
$164,000
$13,667/month · $6,308/biweekly · $78.85/hr
Judge Salary Range
Salary distribution from entry-level to top earners in the Judge field.
Entry-level Judges earn around $105,000, while the top 10% earn $237,500 or more.
Top Paying States for Judges
| State | Est. Median Salary | vs National |
|---|---|---|
| California | $175,000 | +$27,000 |
| New York | $170,000 | +$22,000 |
| Illinois | $154,000 | +$6,000 |
| Texas | $145,000 | $-3,000 |
| Florida | $145,000 | $-3,000 |
Top Paying Cities for Judges
| City | Est. Median Salary | vs National |
|---|---|---|
| New York | $175,000 | +$27,000 |
| Los Angeles | $166,000 | +$18,000 |
| Chicago | $155,000 | +$7,000 |
| Miami | $151,000 | +$3,000 |
| Houston | $147,000 | $-1,000 |
Required Skills & Certifications
Key Skills
Certifications
Judge Career Progression
Typical salary growth path for a Judge from entry level to expert.
$105,000
0-2 years
$150,000
3-7 years
$195,000
8-14 years
$280,000
15+ years
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Judge Salary FAQ
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