Legal Birmingham, AL Pop. 197,575

Judge Salary in Birmingham, Alabama

The median judge salary in Birmingham, AL is $133,227 per year, which is 10% below the national median and 3.4% above the Alabama state average.

City Median
$133,227
vs State Avg
+$4,441
vs National
$-14,803
Cost of Living
90%

Judge Pay in Birmingham: What to Expect (2026)

Birmingham offers a median judge salary of $133,227, which is $4,441 above the Alabama state average of $128,786. Compared to the national median of $148,030, Birmingham pays below the national benchmark for this role.

Birmingham's cost of living is 90% of the national average, meaning salary figures here closely reflect actual purchasing power. This makes direct comparisons to other cities straightforward.

The salary range for judges in Birmingham spans from $52,200 at the 10th percentile to $207,000 at the 90th percentile — a $154,800 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $58,500, while senior judges with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $193,500. With a population of 197,575, Birmingham is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Judge Salary in Birmingham by Experience

In Birmingham, an entry-level judge earns around $58,500, while experienced professionals earn up to $193,500 per year. The local cost of living index is 90% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$58,500
$-6,500 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$135,000
$-15,000 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$193,500
$-21,500 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Birmingham, AL

Percentile Birmingham
10th Percentile $52,200
25th Percentile $81,000
Median (50th) $133,227
75th Percentile $175,500
90th Percentile $207,000

Judge Salary in Other Alabama Cities

How to Become a Judge in Birmingham

Education

Most judge positions require a doctoral degree. Birmingham and the surrounding Alabama area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Legal InterpretationJudicial ReasoningCourt ProceduresImpartialityLegal WritingCase Management

Job Outlook

Nationally, judge employment is projected to grow 3% over the next decade (as fast as average). Demand in Birmingham may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Judge Jobs in Birmingham

Browse open judge positions in Birmingham, AL:

Frequently Asked Questions: Judge Salary in Birmingham

How much does a Judge make in Birmingham, AL? ▼
The median judge salary in Birmingham, Alabama is $133,227 per year, which is 10% below the national median of $148,030. Salaries range from $52,200 (10th percentile) to $207,000 (90th percentile).
How much does a Judge make per hour in Birmingham? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $133,227, a judge in Birmingham earns approximately $64 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Birmingham compare to the Alabama state average for judge pay? ▼
Birmingham's median judge salary of $133,227 is 3.4% above the Alabama state average of $128,786. The local cost of living index is 90% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Birmingham, AL? ▼
Birmingham has a cost of living index of 90% compared to the national average. This means a judge salary of $133,227 in Birmingham has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a judge in Birmingham? ▼
Most judge positions in Birmingham require a doctoral degree. Key skills include Legal Interpretation, Judicial Reasoning, Court Procedures, Impartiality. The job market is projected to grow 3% nationally over the next decade.