Explore national salary, projected growth, education requirements, and career opportunities across the United States.
A concise view of this occupation’s national scale, compensation, and projected demand.
National median annual wage for this occupation.
Estimated jobs currently supported nationwide.
Projected employment change through 2034.
Estimated openings created each year.
The typical education, prior experience, and on-the-job training associated with entry into this career.
Doctoral or professional degree
5 years or more
Short-term on-the-job training
These are the highest-rated capabilities associated with success in this occupation. Scores are derived from occupational skill analysis and are measured on a 100-point scale.
Based on skills, knowledge, and work activities, these occupations are the closest match to your current career.
Explore the states and metropolitan areas offering the strongest combination of salary, employment, demand, and long-term opportunity.
Discover metro markets where compensation, hiring demand, and long-term momentum align.
Understand the salary, outlook, education, and geographic opportunities shaping this career.
Judges, magistrate judges, and magistrates hold influential roles in the legal system, resolving disputes and making critical decisions that affect individuals and organizations. This career combines strong intellectual demands with significant responsibility. Nationally, there are about 27,000 people employed in these positions, with projected employment growth of 2.5%. About 1,000 openings are expected each year, reflecting both new positions and turnover. The national median annual salary of $156,210 indicates strong earning potential for those who reach this level. Success in this field relies on a blend of critical and analytical thinking, problem solving and decision making, and strong speaking and listening skills. Writing and reading, attention to detail, and interpersonal abilities also play a key role. A doctoral or professional degree is typical, so this path involves a substantial educational commitment. For students and professionals drawn to complex decisions, leadership, and structured processes, this occupation represents a demanding but potentially rewarding long-term career option.
Judges, magistrate judges, and magistrates earn a national median annual salary of $156,210, indicating high earning potential compared with many careers that require advanced degrees. Pay levels vary considerably by location. Among the top states by opportunity score, Massachusetts reports a median salary of $221,710, and New York follows closely at $216,390. Colorado also shows a strong median of $198,790. Washington and Virginia present lower, but still substantial, medians of $134,270 and $104,000, respectively. At the metro level, Boston-Cambridge-Newton matches Massachusetts at $221,710, while the New York-Newark-Jersey City metro reaches $204,160. Denver-Aurora-Centennial aligns with Colorado’s $198,790 figure. Washington-Arlington-Alexandria and Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue show median salaries of $104,000 and $135,180. These variations suggest that geographic choice can significantly influence compensation for qualified candidates in this occupation.
Judges, magistrate judges, and magistrates have a national employment base of about 27,000 workers. Projected employment growth is 2.5%, indicating modest expansion over the projection period. With approximately 1,000 annual openings, opportunities will arise from a combination of new positions and the need to replace those leaving the occupation. The growth rate of 2.5% is consistent across the top states and metro areas listed, including Massachusetts, New York, Colorado, Washington, Virginia, and major metros such as New York-Newark-Jersey City and Washington-Arlington-Alexandria. For career planners, this combination of an established employment base, steady projected growth, and recurring annual openings points to an occupation with ongoing, though competitive, entry opportunities. Individuals who complete the required doctoral or professional education and build the key skills associated with the role can position themselves to pursue these openings as they arise across different regions.
Location plays a major role in both opportunity and compensation for judges, magistrate judges, and magistrates. Among states, Massachusetts and New York stand out with the highest median salaries, $221,710 and $216,390, and strong CareerGPS opportunity scores of 65.87 and 65.78. Colorado follows with a median salary of $198,790 and an opportunity score of 56.97. Washington and Virginia show lower median salaries of $134,270 and $104,000, with opportunity scores of 56.29 and 54.96, but still represent notable employment centers with 1,040 and 1,270 positions respectively. At the metro level, the New York-Newark-Jersey City area leads with an opportunity score of 77.27, a median salary of $204,160, and employment of 1,280. Boston-Cambridge-Newton and Denver-Aurora-Centennial mirror their states’ high salaries, while Washington-Arlington-Alexandria and Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue offer solid opportunity scores and mid-range pay. These differences give candidates options to balance salary, opportunity score, and employment size when planning where to build their careers.
Judges, magistrate judges, and magistrates typically need a doctoral or professional degree, reflecting the advanced knowledge and preparation expected in this field. This level of education usually involves extensive study, complex reasoning, and the ability to interpret and apply detailed information. The required skill profile supports this: critical and analytical thinking, problem solving and decision making, and strong writing and reading skills are all central. Speaking and listening, interpersonal strengths, and leadership are also important, indicating the need to communicate clearly, work with diverse people, and guide formal processes. Being detail oriented and comfortable with computers and information technology further supports accurate, organized work. For students and career changers, the combination of an advanced degree requirement and this broad skill set suggests a long preparation pathway. However, it also means those who invest in their education and build these abilities can be well positioned to compete for roles in this occupation or related paths such as lawyers or administrative law judges.
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