Judges, Magistrate Judges, and Magistrates

SOC code 23-1023 · O*NET-SOC 23-1023.00 · Extensive preparation needed · Legal and protective services

Judges, Magistrate Judges, and Magistrates pay

U.S. national figures, May 2025 BLS survey · How we got this number

Median pay

$153,990

a year

Hourly

$74.03

per hour

10th$46,950Median$153,99090th$221,710

The solid band is the middle 50% of workers; the bar spans the 10th to 90th percentile.

Average pay

$143,830

$69.15 per hour

Middle 50%

$85,710 – $194,950

25th to 75th percentile

Full spread

$46,950 – $221,710

10th to 90th percentile

People employed

24,030

nationwide

National U.S. figure, May 2025. Local pay can be higher or lower.

10th percentile: $46,950; $22.57/hr
25th percentile: $85,710; $41.21/hr
Median percentile: $153,990; $74.03/hr
75th percentile: $194,950; $93.73/hr
90th percentile: $221,710; $106.59/hr

What do judges, magistrate judges, and magistrates do?

Arbitrate, advise, adjudicate, or administer justice in a court of law. May sentence defendant in criminal cases according to government statutes or sentencing guidelines. May determine liability of defendant in civil cases. May perform wedding ceremonies.

The tasks that matter most day to day

Sentence defendants in criminal cases, on conviction by jury, according to applicable government statutes.
Rule on custody and access disputes, and enforce court orders regarding custody and support of children.
Monitor proceedings to ensure that all applicable rules and procedures are followed.
Instruct juries on applicable laws, direct juries to deduce the facts from the evidence presented, and hear their verdicts.
Write decisions on cases.
Read documents on pleadings and motions to ascertain facts and issues.
Rule on admissibility of evidence and methods of conducting testimony.
Preside over hearings and listen to allegations made by plaintiffs to determine whether the evidence supports the charges.

How to qualify for this work

Most people in this role hold doctoral degree — 66% of workers surveyed reported it as their level of education.

Preparation level: zone 5 — Extensive preparation needed

Education: Most of these occupations require graduate school. For example, they may require a master's degree, and some require a Ph.D., M.D., or J.D. (law degree).
Experience: Extensive skill, knowledge, and experience are needed for these occupations. Many require more than five years of experience. For example, surgeons must complete four years of college and an additional five to seven years of specialized medical training to be able to do their job.
Training: Employees may need some on-the-job training, but most of these occupations assume that the person will already have the required skills, knowledge, work-related experience, and/or training.

See all zone 5 occupations →

Education reported by people doing this job

Doctoral Degree66%
First Professional Degree - awarded for completion of a program that: requires at least 2 years of college work before entrance into the program, includes a total of at least 6 academic years of work to complete, and provides all remaining academic requirements to begin practice in a profession.23%
Post-Doctoral Training10%
Post-Secondary Certificate0%

Common questions

How much does a judges, magistrate judges, and magistrates earn?

The national median is $153,990 a year. The full range runs from $46,950 at the 10th percentile to $221,710 at the 90th — entry pay sits closer to the lower figure, and experience, licensing and specialisation move you up the range.

Can you become a judges, magistrate judges, and magistrates without a degree?

Not usually — this occupation sits in preparation zone 5, where the typical entry route is most of these occupations require graduate school. For example, they may require a master's degree, and some require a Ph.D., M.D., or J.D. (law degree). The education breakdown above shows what people in the role actually reported.

Skills and knowledge you need

Core skills

Active Listening5.0/5
Critical Thinking4.9/5
Reading Comprehension4.3/5
Writing4.1/5
Speaking4.1/5
Active Learning4.0/5
Monitoring3.9/5

Knowledge areas

Law and Government4.9/5
English Language4.5/5
Administration and Management3.6/5
Psychology3.4/5
Customer and Personal Service3.3/5
Public Safety and Security3.1/5
Computers and Electronics2.8/5
Therapy and Counseling2.7/5

Transferable strengths: Judgment and Decision Making, Complex Problem Solving, Social Perceptiveness.