Legal Alaska (AK) Rank #4 of 50

Judge Salary in Alaska

The median judge salary in Alaska is $183,557 per year, which is 24.0% above the national median of $148,030.

Median Salary
$183,557
vs National
+$35,527
State Rank
#4 of 50
Cost of Living
124%

Judge Salary Overview in Alaska (2026)

Alaska ranks #4 out of 50 states for judge compensation. This places Alaska in the top tier nationally, making it one of the best states for judges seeking high pay. At $183,557 per year, judges in Alaska earn $35,527 more than the national median of $148,030.

It's worth noting that Alaska's cost of living is 124% of the national average, which reduces the real purchasing power of the $183,557 salary. After adjusting for cost of living, the effective salary is closer to $148,030.

The salary spread in Alaska is significant: judges at the 10th percentile earn $71,920, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $285,200 — a $213,280 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in Alaska for this role is Juneau, where the median reaches $199,841.

Nationally, judge employment is projected to grow 3% over the next decade (as fast as average). This steady growth indicates stable demand for judges across the country.

Judge Salary in Alaska by Experience

In Alaska, an entry-level judge earns around $80,600, while experienced professionals earn up to $266,600 per year. The cost of living index in Alaska is 124% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$80,600
+$15,600 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$186,000
+$36,000 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$266,600
+$51,600 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in Alaska

Percentile AK Salary
10th Percentile $71,920
25th Percentile $111,600
Median (50th) $183,557
75th Percentile $241,800
90th Percentile $285,200

Judge Salary by City in Alaska

The largest employment areas for judges in Alaska include Anchorage, Fairbanks, Juneau, and Sitka. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Judge in Alaska

Education

Most judge positions require a doctoral degree. Alaska has several accredited institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Legal InterpretationJudicial ReasoningCourt ProceduresImpartialityLegal WritingCase Management

Job Outlook in Alaska

Nationally, judge employment is projected to grow 3% over the next decade (as fast as average). Alaska's demand may vary based on local industry trends.

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Frequently Asked Questions: Judge Salary in Alaska

How much does a Judge make in Alaska? ▼
The median judge salary in Alaska is $183,557 per year, which is 24.0% above the national median of $148,030. Salaries range from $71,920 (10th percentile) to $285,200 (90th percentile).
How much does a Judge make per hour in Alaska? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $183,557, a judge in Alaska earns approximately $88 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Alaska a good state for judges? ▼
Alaska ranks #4 out of 50 states for judge pay. The cost of living index is 124% of the national average. Entry-level judges earn $80,600, while senior professionals earn $266,600.
How does Alaska compare to other states for judge salary? ▼
The highest paying state for judges is Hawaii at $251,651. Alaska's median of $183,557 ranks #4 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include California ($204,281) and Massachusetts ($199,841).
What is the entry-level judge salary in Alaska? ▼
An entry-level judge in Alaska earns approximately $80,600 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $186,000. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $266,600.
What city in Alaska pays judges the most? ▼
Juneau is the highest paying city in Alaska for judges, with a median salary of $199,841. Other cities include Anchorage and Fairbanks.