Legal Denver, CO Pop. 715,522

Judge Salary in Denver, Colorado

The median judge salary in Denver, CO is $165,794 per year, which is 12.0% above the national median and 6.7% above the Colorado state average.

City Median
$165,794
vs State Avg
+$10,362
vs National
+$17,764
Cost of Living
112%

Judge Pay in Denver: What to Expect (2026)

Denver offers a median judge salary of $165,794, which is $10,362 above the Colorado state average of $155,432. Compared to the national median of $148,030, Denver pays above average for this role.

However, Denver's cost of living index is 112%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $165,794 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $148,030. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Denver should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for judges in Denver spans from $64,960 at the 10th percentile to $257,600 at the 90th percentile — a $192,640 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $72,800, while senior judges with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $240,800. As a major metro area with a population of 715,522, Denver typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Judge Salary in Denver by Experience

In Denver, an entry-level judge earns around $72,800, while experienced professionals earn up to $240,800 per year. The local cost of living index is 112% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$72,800
+$7,800 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$168,000
+$18,000 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$240,800
+$25,800 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Denver, CO

Percentile Denver
10th Percentile $64,960
25th Percentile $100,800
Median (50th) $165,794
75th Percentile $218,400
90th Percentile $257,600

Judge Salary in Other Colorado Cities

Boulder, CO
$189,478
Pop. 105,673
Fort Collins, CO
$156,912
Pop. 169,810
Aurora, CO
$155,432
Pop. 386,261
Colorado Springs, CO
$148,030
Pop. 478,961

How to Become a Judge in Denver

Education

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

Find Judge Jobs in Denver

Browse open judge positions in Denver, CO:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Judge Salary in Denver

How much does a Judge make in Denver, CO? ▼
The median judge salary in Denver, Colorado is $165,794 per year, which is 12.0% above the national median of $148,030. Salaries range from $64,960 (10th percentile) to $257,600 (90th percentile).
How much does a Judge make per hour in Denver? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $165,794, a judge in Denver earns approximately $80 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Denver compare to the Colorado state average for judge pay? ▼
Denver's median judge salary of $165,794 is 6.7% above the Colorado state average of $155,432. The local cost of living index is 112% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Denver, CO? ▼
Denver has a cost of living index of 112% compared to the national average. This means a judge salary of $165,794 in Denver has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a judge in Denver? ▼
Most judge positions in Denver 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.