Legal Montgomery, AL Pop. 200,603

Judge Salary in Montgomery, Alabama

The median judge salary in Montgomery, AL is $127,306 per year, which is 14% below the national median and 1.1% below the Alabama state average.

City Median
$127,306
vs State Avg
$-1,480
vs National
$-20,724
Cost of Living
86%

Judge Pay in Montgomery: What to Expect (2026)

Montgomery offers a median judge salary of $127,306, which is $1,480 below the Alabama state average of $128,786. Compared to the national median of $148,030, Montgomery pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Montgomery's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 86% of the national average. This means the $127,306 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $148,030 in an average-cost city. This makes Montgomery an attractive option for judges seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for judges in Montgomery spans from $49,880 at the 10th percentile to $197,800 at the 90th percentile — a $147,920 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $55,900, while senior judges with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $184,900. With a population of 200,603, Montgomery is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Judge Salary in Montgomery by Experience

In Montgomery, an entry-level judge earns around $55,900, while experienced professionals earn up to $184,900 per year. The local cost of living index is 86% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$55,900
$-9,100 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$129,000
$-21,000 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$184,900
$-30,100 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Montgomery, AL

Percentile Montgomery
10th Percentile $49,880
25th Percentile $77,400
Median (50th) $127,306
75th Percentile $167,700
90th Percentile $197,800

Judge Salary in Other Alabama Cities

How to Become a Judge in Montgomery

Education

Most judge positions require a doctoral degree. Montgomery 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 Montgomery may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Judge Jobs in Montgomery

Browse open judge positions in Montgomery, AL:

Frequently Asked Questions: Judge Salary in Montgomery

How much does a Judge make in Montgomery, AL? ▼
The median judge salary in Montgomery, Alabama is $127,306 per year, which is 14% below the national median of $148,030. Salaries range from $49,880 (10th percentile) to $197,800 (90th percentile).
How much does a Judge make per hour in Montgomery? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $127,306, a judge in Montgomery earns approximately $61 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Montgomery compare to the Alabama state average for judge pay? ▼
Montgomery's median judge salary of $127,306 is 1.1% below the Alabama state average of $128,786. The local cost of living index is 86% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Montgomery, AL? ▼
Montgomery has a cost of living index of 86% compared to the national average. This means a judge salary of $127,306 in Montgomery has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a judge in Montgomery? ▼
Most judge positions in Montgomery 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.