As of May 01, 2026, the average salary for a Judge/Magistrate in the United States is $188,837 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $91.
However, a Judge/Magistrate's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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Judge/Magistrate Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $211,329 | $17,611 | $4,064 | $102 |
| Average | $188,837 | $15,736 | $3,631 | $91 |
| 25th Percentile | $185,229 | $15,436 | $3,562 | $89 |
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A Judge/Magistrate's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how geographic location and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract Judge/Magistrates. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Salaries can also vary between different cities. Major metropolitan areas or cities with a high demand for technicians often offer more competitive pay. Here are a few examples of average annual salaries in different U.S. cities:
Understanding how a Judge/Magistrate's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.
| Annual Salary | Monthly Pay | Weekly Pay | Hourly Wage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 75th Percentile | $211,329 | $17,611 | $4,064 | $102 |
| Average | $188,837 | $15,736 | $3,631 | $91 |
| 25th Percentile | $185,229 | $15,436 | $3,562 | $89 |
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A Judge/Magistrate's earning potential can vary widely depending on several factors, including location, industry, experience, education, and the specific employer. According to the latest salary data by Salary.com, a Judge/Magistrate earns the most in San Jose, CA, where the annual salary of a Judge/Magistrate is $238,180.
The highest pay for Judge/Magistrate is $231,806.
The lowest pay for Judge/Magistrate is $181,944.
Oversees legal process and ensures that court rules and proceedings are adhered to. Upholds laws. Must be a graduate of an accredited law school. Most states require prior experience as a lawyer.
Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.
We offer detailed salary information across multiple percentiles for your reference. (Click here to learn Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial for Achieving Pay Equity.)
With the most extensive online, real-time compensation data available, Salary.com helps you pinpoint your exact pay target.
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