As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Judge Advocate in the United States is $78,404 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $38.
However, a Judge Advocate's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Judge Advocate's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of a Judge Advocate's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here’s how the average salary grows at different career stages:
| Levels | Salary |
|---|---|
| Judge Adv... Level Judge Advocate | $80,280 |
| Sustainab... Level Judge Advocate | $105,373 |
| Sustainab... Level Judge Advocate | $121,297 |
| Sustainab... Level Judge Advocate | $128,440 |
| Sustainab... Level Judge Advocate | $152,929 |
What Am I Worth?
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 Advocates. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Analysis | 4.67% |
| Energy Efficiency | 1.06% |
| Microsoft Office | 0.85% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Process Consulting
|
$88,597 |
13%
|
|
Insight
|
$82,325 |
5%
|
|
Benchmarking
|
$82,325 |
5%
|
|
Content Development
|
$81,540 |
4%
|
|
Corporate Governance
|
$81,540 |
4%
|
|
Teamwork
|
$81,540 |
4%
|
For Judge Advocate roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 40% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Energy & Utilities and Pharmaceuticals sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 20% above the average. In contrast, Judge Advocate positions in Transportation or Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Judge Advocate as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Energy & Utilities | $94,085 | $45.0 | 20% |
| Pharmaceuticals | $94,085 | $45.0 | 20% |
| Biotechnology | $90,165 | $43.0 | 15% |
| Insurance | $90,165 | $43.0 | 15% |
| Aerospace & Defense | $86,245 | $41.0 | 10% |
Understanding how a Judge Advocate'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.
Last Updated on August 01, 2026Salaries for a Judge Advocate can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary increased from $64,834 in 2023 to around $65,117 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Judge Advocate salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $64,834 |
| 2024 | $65,223 |
| 2025 | $65,117 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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The Energy & Utilities industry offers the highest average compensation for Judge Advocate roles, with salaries approximately 20% above the market median.
Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.
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