What is the entry-level Judge salary?

Entry-level Judges typically start around $72,000 per year, rising toward $128,610 with experience.

What is the highest Judge salary?

Experienced Judges can earn around $200,000 per year or more, depending on location, employer, and specialization.

What education does a Judge need?

Most Judge roles require a Doctorate degree. Job demand is projected to grow 3% — about as fast as average.

Legal · US Salary

Judge Salary

Median $128,610/yr · about $61.83/hr

Entry-level

$72,000

Median (typical)

$128,610

Experienced

$200,000

Job growth

+3%

about as fast as average

Education

Doctorate

Field

Legal

How much does a Judge make?

The typical Judge in the United States earns a median salary of $128,610 per year — roughly $61.83 per hour. Pay ranges from about $72,000 for entry-level roles to $200,000 for experienced professionals.

Demand for Judges is projected to change by 3% over the next decade (about as fast as average). Most positions require a Doctorate degree. Actual pay varies with location, industry, and employer — use our take-home pay calculator to estimate your after-tax income by state.

Judge Salary — FAQ

How much does a Judge make?: The median Judge salary in the US is $128,610 per year, which is about $61.83 per hour (at 2,080 hours/year).
What is the entry-level Judge salary?: Entry-level Judges typically start around $72,000 per year, rising toward $128,610 with experience.
What is the highest Judge salary?: Experienced Judges can earn around $200,000 per year or more, depending on location, employer, and specialization.
What education does a Judge need?: Most Judge roles require a Doctorate degree. Job demand is projected to grow 3% — about as fast as average.

Similar Legal jobs

Lawyer · $135,740 Compliance Officer · $75,810 Paralegal · $60,800

See all salaries by job or our methodology.

Loading Legacy