Legal Tampa, FL Pop. 384,959

Judge Salary in Tampa, Florida

The median judge salary in Tampa, FL is $148,030 per year, which is 0.0% above the national median and 2.0% above the Florida state average.

City Median
$148,030
vs State Avg
+$2,961
vs National
+$0
Cost of Living
100%

Judge Pay in Tampa: What to Expect (2026)

Tampa offers a median judge salary of $148,030, which is $2,961 above the Florida state average of $145,069. Compared to the national median of $148,030, Tampa pays above average for this role.

Tampa's cost of living is 100% 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 Tampa spans from $58,000 at the 10th percentile to $230,000 at the 90th percentile — a $172,000 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $65,000, while senior judges with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $215,000. With a population of 384,959, Tampa is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Judge Salary in Tampa by Experience

In Tampa, an entry-level judge earns around $65,000, while experienced professionals earn up to $215,000 per year. The local cost of living index is 100% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$65,000
+$0 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$150,000
+$0 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$215,000
+$0 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Tampa, FL

Percentile Tampa
10th Percentile $58,000
25th Percentile $90,000
Median (50th) $148,030
75th Percentile $195,000
90th Percentile $230,000

Judge Salary in Other Florida Cities

How to Become a Judge in Tampa

Education

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

Find Judge Jobs in Tampa

Browse open judge positions in Tampa, FL:

Frequently Asked Questions: Judge Salary in Tampa

How much does a Judge make in Tampa, FL? ▼
The median judge salary in Tampa, Florida is $148,030 per year, which is 0.0% above the national median of $148,030. Salaries range from $58,000 (10th percentile) to $230,000 (90th percentile).
How much does a Judge make per hour in Tampa? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $148,030, a judge in Tampa earns approximately $71 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Tampa compare to the Florida state average for judge pay? ▼
Tampa's median judge salary of $148,030 is 2.0% above the Florida state average of $145,069. The local cost of living index is 100% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Tampa, FL? ▼
Tampa has a cost of living index of 100% compared to the national average. This means a judge salary of $148,030 in Tampa has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a judge in Tampa? ▼
Most judge positions in Tampa 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.