Legal Dover, DE Pop. 39,403

Judge Salary in Dover, Delaware

The median judge salary in Dover, DE is $142,109 per year, which is 4% below the national median and 5% below the Delaware state average.

City Median
$142,109
vs State Avg
$-7,401
vs National
$-5,921
Cost of Living
96%

Judge Pay in Dover: What to Expect (2026)

Dover offers a median judge salary of $142,109, which is $7,401 below the Delaware state average of $149,510. Compared to the national median of $148,030, Dover pays below the national benchmark for this role.

Dover's cost of living is 96% 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 Dover spans from $55,680 at the 10th percentile to $220,800 at the 90th percentile — a $165,120 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $62,400, while senior judges with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $206,400. Dover is a smaller market (pop. 39,403), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Judge Salary in Dover by Experience

In Dover, an entry-level judge earns around $62,400, while experienced professionals earn up to $206,400 per year. The local cost of living index is 96% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$62,400
$-2,600 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$144,000
$-6,000 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$206,400
$-8,600 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Dover, DE

Percentile Dover
10th Percentile $55,680
25th Percentile $86,400
Median (50th) $142,109
75th Percentile $187,200
90th Percentile $220,800

Judge Salary in Other Delaware Cities

Wilmington, DE
$155,432
Pop. 70,898
Newark, DE
$150,991
Pop. 33,398
Bear, DE
$146,550
Pop. 21,000
Middletown, DE
$145,069
Pop. 22,350

How to Become a Judge in Dover

Education

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

Find Judge Jobs in Dover

Browse open judge positions in Dover, DE:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Judge Salary in Dover

How much does a Judge make in Dover, DE? ▼
The median judge salary in Dover, Delaware is $142,109 per year, which is 4% below the national median of $148,030. Salaries range from $55,680 (10th percentile) to $220,800 (90th percentile).
How much does a Judge make per hour in Dover? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $142,109, a judge in Dover earns approximately $68 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Dover compare to the Delaware state average for judge pay? ▼
Dover's median judge salary of $142,109 is 5% below the Delaware state average of $149,510. The local cost of living index is 96% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Dover, DE? ▼
Dover has a cost of living index of 96% compared to the national average. This means a judge salary of $142,109 in Dover has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a judge in Dover? ▼
Most judge positions in Dover 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.