Legal Fort Collins, CO Pop. 169,810

Judge Salary in Fort Collins, Colorado

The median judge salary in Fort Collins, CO is $156,912 per year, which is 6.0% above the national median and 1.0% above the Colorado state average.

City Median
$156,912
vs State Avg
+$1,480
vs National
+$8,882
Cost of Living
106%

Judge Pay in Fort Collins: What to Expect (2026)

Fort Collins offers a median judge salary of $156,912, which is $1,480 above the Colorado state average of $155,432. Compared to the national median of $148,030, Fort Collins pays above average for this role.

Fort Collins's cost of living is 106% of the national average, meaning salary figures here closely reflect actual purchasing power. This makes direct comparisons to other cities straightforward.

The salary range for judges in Fort Collins spans from $61,480 at the 10th percentile to $243,800 at the 90th percentile — a $182,320 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $68,900, while senior judges with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $227,900. With a population of 169,810, Fort Collins is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Judge Salary in Fort Collins by Experience

In Fort Collins, an entry-level judge earns around $68,900, while experienced professionals earn up to $227,900 per year. The local cost of living index is 106% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$68,900
+$3,900 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$159,000
+$9,000 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$227,900
+$12,900 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Fort Collins, CO

Percentile Fort Collins
10th Percentile $61,480
25th Percentile $95,400
Median (50th) $156,912
75th Percentile $206,700
90th Percentile $243,800

Judge Salary in Other Colorado Cities

How to Become a Judge in Fort Collins

Education

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

Find Judge Jobs in Fort Collins

Browse open judge positions in Fort Collins, CO:

Frequently Asked Questions: Judge Salary in Fort Collins

How much does a Judge make in Fort Collins, CO? ▼
The median judge salary in Fort Collins, Colorado is $156,912 per year, which is 6.0% above the national median of $148,030. Salaries range from $61,480 (10th percentile) to $243,800 (90th percentile).
How much does a Judge make per hour in Fort Collins? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $156,912, a judge in Fort Collins earns approximately $75 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Fort Collins compare to the Colorado state average for judge pay? ▼
Fort Collins's median judge salary of $156,912 is 1.0% above the Colorado state average of $155,432. The local cost of living index is 106% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Fort Collins, CO? ▼
Fort Collins has a cost of living index of 106% compared to the national average. This means a judge salary of $156,912 in Fort Collins has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a judge in Fort Collins? ▼
Most judge positions in Fort Collins 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.