Legal Little Rock, AR Pop. 202,591

Judge Salary in Little Rock, Arkansas

The median judge salary in Little Rock, AR is $128,786 per year, which is 13% below the national median and 3.6% above the Arkansas state average.

City Median
$128,786
vs State Avg
+$4,441
vs National
$-19,244
Cost of Living
87%

Judge Pay in Little Rock: What to Expect (2026)

Little Rock offers a median judge salary of $128,786, which is $4,441 above the Arkansas state average of $124,345. Compared to the national median of $148,030, Little Rock pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Little Rock's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 87% of the national average. This means the $128,786 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $148,030 in an average-cost city. This makes Little Rock an attractive option for judges seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for judges in Little Rock spans from $50,460 at the 10th percentile to $200,100 at the 90th percentile — a $149,640 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $56,550, while senior judges with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $187,050. With a population of 202,591, Little Rock is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Judge Salary in Little Rock by Experience

In Little Rock, an entry-level judge earns around $56,550, while experienced professionals earn up to $187,050 per year. The local cost of living index is 87% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$56,550
$-8,450 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$130,500
$-19,500 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$187,050
$-27,950 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Little Rock, AR

Percentile Little Rock
10th Percentile $50,460
25th Percentile $78,300
Median (50th) $128,786
75th Percentile $169,650
90th Percentile $200,100

Judge Salary in Other Arkansas Cities

Fayetteville, AR
$130,266
Pop. 93,949
Springdale, AR
$124,345
Pop. 80,433
Jonesboro, AR
$121,385
Pop. 78,576
Fort Smith, AR
$118,424
Pop. 89,142

How to Become a Judge in Little Rock

Education

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

Find Judge Jobs in Little Rock

Browse open judge positions in Little Rock, AR:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Judge Salary in Little Rock

How much does a Judge make in Little Rock, AR? ▼
The median judge salary in Little Rock, Arkansas is $128,786 per year, which is 13% below the national median of $148,030. Salaries range from $50,460 (10th percentile) to $200,100 (90th percentile).
How much does a Judge make per hour in Little Rock? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $128,786, a judge in Little Rock earns approximately $62 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Little Rock compare to the Arkansas state average for judge pay? ▼
Little Rock's median judge salary of $128,786 is 3.6% above the Arkansas state average of $124,345. The local cost of living index is 87% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Little Rock, AR? ▼
Little Rock has a cost of living index of 87% compared to the national average. This means a judge salary of $128,786 in Little Rock has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a judge in Little Rock? ▼
Most judge positions in Little Rock 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.