Legal Fayetteville, AR Pop. 93,949

Judge Salary in Fayetteville, Arkansas

The median judge salary in Fayetteville, AR is $130,266 per year, which is 12% below the national median and 4.8% above the Arkansas state average.

City Median
$130,266
vs State Avg
+$5,921
vs National
$-17,764
Cost of Living
88%

Judge Pay in Fayetteville: What to Expect (2026)

Fayetteville offers a median judge salary of $130,266, which is $5,921 above the Arkansas state average of $124,345. Compared to the national median of $148,030, Fayetteville pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Fayetteville's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 88% of the national average. This means the $130,266 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $148,030 in an average-cost city. This makes Fayetteville an attractive option for judges seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for judges in Fayetteville spans from $51,040 at the 10th percentile to $202,400 at the 90th percentile — a $151,360 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $57,200, while senior judges with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $189,200. Fayetteville is a smaller market (pop. 93,949), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Judge Salary in Fayetteville by Experience

In Fayetteville, an entry-level judge earns around $57,200, while experienced professionals earn up to $189,200 per year. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$57,200
$-7,800 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$132,000
$-18,000 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$189,200
$-25,800 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Fayetteville, AR

Percentile Fayetteville
10th Percentile $51,040
25th Percentile $79,200
Median (50th) $130,266
75th Percentile $171,600
90th Percentile $202,400

Judge Salary in Other Arkansas Cities

How to Become a Judge in Fayetteville

Education

Most judge positions require a doctoral degree. Fayetteville and the surrounding Arkansas 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 Fayetteville may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Judge Jobs in Fayetteville

Browse open judge positions in Fayetteville, AR:

Frequently Asked Questions: Judge Salary in Fayetteville

How much does a Judge make in Fayetteville, AR? ▼
The median judge salary in Fayetteville, Arkansas is $130,266 per year, which is 12% below the national median of $148,030. Salaries range from $51,040 (10th percentile) to $202,400 (90th percentile).
How much does a Judge make per hour in Fayetteville? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $130,266, a judge in Fayetteville earns approximately $63 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Fayetteville compare to the Arkansas state average for judge pay? ▼
Fayetteville's median judge salary of $130,266 is 4.8% above the Arkansas state average of $124,345. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Fayetteville, AR? ▼
Fayetteville has a cost of living index of 88% compared to the national average. This means a judge salary of $130,266 in Fayetteville has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a judge in Fayetteville? ▼
Most judge positions in Fayetteville 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.