Legal Los Angeles, CA Pop. 3,898,747

Judge Salary in Los Angeles, California

The median judge salary in Los Angeles, CA is $216,124 per year, which is 46.0% above the national median and 5.8% above the California state average.

City Median
$216,124
vs State Avg
+$11,843
vs National
+$68,094
Cost of Living
146%

Judge Pay in Los Angeles: What to Expect (2026)

Los Angeles offers a median judge salary of $216,124, which is $11,843 above the California state average of $204,281. Compared to the national median of $148,030, Los Angeles pays above average for this role.

However, Los Angeles's cost of living index is 146%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $216,124 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $148,030. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Los Angeles should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for judges in Los Angeles spans from $84,680 at the 10th percentile to $335,800 at the 90th percentile — a $251,120 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $94,900, while senior judges with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $313,900. As a major metro area with a population of 3,898,747, Los Angeles typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Judge Salary in Los Angeles by Experience

In Los Angeles, an entry-level judge earns around $94,900, while experienced professionals earn up to $313,900 per year. The local cost of living index is 146% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$94,900
+$29,900 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$219,000
+$69,000 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$313,900
+$98,900 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Los Angeles, CA

Percentile Los Angeles
10th Percentile $84,680
25th Percentile $131,400
Median (50th) $216,124
75th Percentile $284,700
90th Percentile $335,800

Judge Salary in Other California Cities

San Francisco, CA
$269,415
Pop. 873,965
San Jose, CA
$248,690
Pop. 1,013,240
San Diego, CA
$210,203
Pop. 1,386,932
Sacramento, CA
$174,675
Pop. 524,943

How to Become a Judge in Los Angeles

Education

Most judge positions require a doctoral degree. Los Angeles and the surrounding California 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 Los Angeles may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Judge Jobs in Los Angeles

Browse open judge positions in Los Angeles, CA:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Judge Salary in Los Angeles

How much does a Judge make in Los Angeles, CA? ▼
The median judge salary in Los Angeles, California is $216,124 per year, which is 46.0% above the national median of $148,030. Salaries range from $84,680 (10th percentile) to $335,800 (90th percentile).
How much does a Judge make per hour in Los Angeles? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $216,124, a judge in Los Angeles earns approximately $104 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Los Angeles compare to the California state average for judge pay? ▼
Los Angeles's median judge salary of $216,124 is 5.8% above the California state average of $204,281. The local cost of living index is 146% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Los Angeles, CA? ▼
Los Angeles has a cost of living index of 146% compared to the national average. This means a judge salary of $216,124 in Los Angeles has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a judge in Los Angeles? ▼
Most judge positions in Los Angeles 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.