Judges, Magistrate Judges, and Magistrates
Median salary, education path, job outlook, and related careers — based on U.S. labor data.
Median salary
$153,990/yr
Typical range
$85,710 – $194,950
Education
Doctoral degree
Time to entry
About 8+ years of higher education
What a Judges, Magistrate Judges, and Magistrates does
Preside over court proceedings, make legal decisions, and ensure fair application of the law in civil, criminal, or small claims cases. They interpret laws, listen to evidence, and determine outcomes within their jurisdiction.
Education & path
The typical entry point is a doctoral degree. About 8+ years of higher education.
Estimated cost of that path: ~$110,000. Estimated payback: ~4 years. Estimates only — actual cost varies widely by school and financial aid; payback assumes ~20% of income applied.
Related careers
- Lawyers — $159,670/yr
- Paralegals and Legal Assistants — $62,890/yr
- Title Examiners, Abstractors, and Searchers — $58,650/yr
- Administrative Law Judges, Adjudicators, and Hearing Officers — $117,860/yr
- Judicial Law Clerks — $64,920/yr
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