Judges, Magistrate Judges, and Magistrates
Job Zone 5 - Extensive preparation needed
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.
Median pay: $153,990/yr (U.S. national, May 2025)
Typical range nationwide (10th–90th percentile). This is a population snapshot, not a personal prediction - actual pay varies by location, employer, and experience.
Job outlook: +2.5% projected growth, 2024–2034 — about as fast as average.
About 900 openings per year, on average, over the decade.
Typical entry-level education: Doctoral or professional degree.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS and Employment Projections.
• Sentence defendants in criminal cases, on conviction by jury, according to applicable government statutes.
• 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.
• Award compensation for damages to litigants in civil cases in relation to findings by juries or by the court.
What's the median pay for Judges, Magistrate Judges, and Magistrates?
The median pay for Judges, Magistrate Judges, and Magistrates is $153,990 per year, per the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
What's the job outlook for Judges, Magistrate Judges, and Magistrates?
Employment for Judges, Magistrate Judges, and Magistrates is projected to change +2.5% from 2024 to 2034 - about as fast as average.
What education is typically required for Judges, Magistrate Judges, and Magistrates?
Typical entry-level education: Doctoral or professional degree.
How many job openings are there each year for Judges, Magistrate Judges, and Magistrates?
About 900 openings per year, on average, over the decade.