Judges, Magistrate Judges, and Magistrates Salary 2025: $153,990 Median
The median salary for judges, magistrate judges, and magistrates in the U.S. is $153,990 per year, according to the latest Bureau of Labor Statistics data. That works out to roughly $74 an hour. But pay varies widely: the lowest 10% earn around $46,950, while the top 10% make up to $221,710. With about 24,030 people employed in these roles, it's a small but influential profession.
How much Judges, Magistrate Judges, and Magistrates earn
The national median salary for judges, magistrate judges, and magistrates is $153,990, with a mean wage of $143,830. Most earn between $46,950 (10th percentile) and $221,710 (90th percentile). Pay depends heavily on jurisdiction: federal district judges, for instance, typically sit near the top of that range, while part-time magistrates in smaller counties may earn much less.
Employment totals 24,030 nationwide. About 900 new openings are projected each year over the next decade, largely due to retirements and turnover.
Pay by state
The highest-paying states are concentrated in the Northeast. Rhode Island tops the list at $239,760, followed by Massachusetts ($221,710), Connecticut ($217,760), New York ($216,390), and Hawaii ($211,810). These figures often reflect cost-of-living adjustments and union-negotiated scales.
At the other end, the lowest-paying states are in the South: Alabama ($52,850), Michigan ($51,210), and Mississippi ($49,960). These states typically have lower caseloads and may rely more on part-time or limited-jurisdiction judges.
How to become Judges, Magistrate Judges, and Magistrate
The standard path requires a law degree (J.D.) and a state bar license, plus several years of legal experience. Most judges start as attorneys, often in criminal or civil litigation. Some states allow non-lawyer magistrates for minor cases, but that's rare in federal courts.
Election or appointment processes vary by state. Federal judges are nominated by the president and confirmed by the Senate. State judges may be elected by the public, appointed by the governor, or chosen through merit selection. Federal magistrate judges are appointed by district court judges for renewable terms.
- Earn a bachelor's degree, then a law degree from an accredited law school
- Pass the state bar exam and gain 5–10 years of legal experience
- Apply for an open judgeship or campaign for election; build a reputation of impartiality
- Complete mandatory training programs (e.g., for new federal judges)
Job outlook
Employment is projected to grow 2.5% from 2024 to 2034, about as fast as the average for all occupations. That translates to roughly 900 openings per year, mostly from judges retiring or moving to senior status. Competition is fierce—appointments are political and limited. But demand remains steady because caseloads don't shrink. The Bureau of Labor Statistics expects no dramatic swings either way.
Frequently asked questions
What is the salary range for judges, magistrate judges, and magistrates?
The typical range is $46,950 (10th percentile) to $221,710 (90th percentile). The median is $153,990, and the mean is $143,830.
How long does it take to become a judge?
Expect at least 7 years after college: 3 years of law school plus several years as a practicing attorney. Many judges have 10–15 years of legal experience before appointment or election.
What states pay judges the most?
Rhode Island ($239,760), Massachusetts ($221,710), Connecticut ($217,760), New York ($216,390), and Hawaii ($211,810) are the top-paying states.
Salary figures are U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates (OEWS / Employment Projections). For informational purposes only; not career or financial advice. See the full Judges, Magistrate Judges, and Magistrates data.