Judges, Magistrates, and Other Judicial Workers: $119,250 median salary in 2024
The median salary for judges, magistrates, and other judicial workers hit $119,250 in 2024, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. That works out to roughly $57 an hour when you factor in the mean wage of $128,140. But pay varies widely: the bottom 10% earn around $49,940, while the top 10% bring in over $216,390.
How much Judges, Magistrates, and Other Judicial Workers earn
The BLS reports a mean hourly wage of $57 for judicial workers, but that number hides sharp differences by court level and location. Federal judges typically earn the most, often at the top of the pay scale, while local magistrates or hearing officers may start closer to the $49,940 mark.
Experience matters: entry-level roles (10th percentile) pay just under $50,000, while seasoned judges in high-cost jurisdictions can exceed $200,000. Note that these figures are national averages; actual salary also depends on whether the position is elected, appointed, or merit-selected.
Pay by state
State-level BLS data for this occupation is limited and not published for all states. In general, judicial salaries are set by state legislatures or compensation boards, so they vary. High-cost states like California, New York, and Illinois tend to pay more, but exact figures are not available from the BLS for this release. Check your state court website for specific pay scales.
How to become a Judge, Magistrate, or Judicial Worker
The path usually starts with law school. Most judges and magistrates hold a Juris Doctor (JD) degree and have practiced law for several years. A bachelor’s degree is required before law school; no specific major is mandated, but political science, history, or criminal justice are common.
After law school, you need to pass the bar exam in the state where you want to serve. Many judges begin as lawyers, prosecutors, or public defenders. Some magistrates are appointed, others elected. For non-judge judicial workers (like hearing officers), a law degree may not always be required—some roles need a bachelor’s plus relevant experience.
- Earn a bachelor’s degree (any field, but pre-law helpful).
- Graduate from an ABA-accredited law school (3 years full-time).
- Pass the state bar exam and gain 5–10 years of legal experience.
- Seek appointment, election, or application for a magistrate/judge position.
Job outlook
The BLS does not project employment growth for 2024–2034 for this occupation—the number of judges is largely determined by government budgets and court caseloads. Competition is high because these are prestigious, well-paid positions with low turnover.
Frequently asked questions
What is the highest paid judicial job?
Federal judges, especially Supreme Court justices and appellate judges, earn the most—often above $200,000. State supreme court justices also top the scale, but exact figures depend on the state.
Do all judges need a law degree?
Most do. Federal judges must be lawyers, and nearly all state judges hold a JD. However, some magistrates or hearing officers in specialized courts (e.g., small claims) may serve without a law degree, though it’s rare.
How long does it take to become a judge?
Typically 7–10 years after college: 4 years undergrad, 3 years law school, then several years of legal practice before applying or running for a judgeship.
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, Magistrates, and Other Judicial Workers data.