Legal Georgia (GA) Rank #27 of 50

Judge Salary in Georgia

The median judge salary in Georgia is $137,668 per year, which is 7% below the national median of $148,030.

Median Salary
$137,668
vs National
$-10,362
State Rank
#27 of 50
Cost of Living
93%

Judge Salary Overview in Georgia (2026)

Georgia ranks #27 out of 50 states for judge compensation. Judge salaries in Georgia are below the national median, though the lower cost of living can offset the difference. At $137,668 per year, judges in Georgia earn $10,362 less than the national median of $148,030.

A key advantage of working in Georgia is its below-average cost of living (93% of the national index). This means the $137,668 salary has the purchasing power of roughly $148,030 in an average-cost area.

The salary spread in Georgia is significant: judges at the 10th percentile earn $53,940, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $213,900 — a $159,960 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in Georgia for this role is Atlanta, where the median reaches $150,991.

Nationally, judge employment is projected to grow 3% over the next decade (as fast as average). This steady growth indicates stable demand for judges across the country.

Judge Salary in Georgia by Experience

In Georgia, an entry-level judge earns around $60,450, while experienced professionals earn up to $199,950 per year. The cost of living index in Georgia is 93% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$60,450
$-4,550 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$139,500
$-10,500 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$199,950
$-15,050 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in Georgia

Percentile GA Salary
10th Percentile $53,940
25th Percentile $83,700
Median (50th) $137,668
75th Percentile $181,350
90th Percentile $213,900

Judge Salary by City in Georgia

The largest employment areas for judges in Georgia include Atlanta, Augusta, Savannah, and Columbus. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Judge in Georgia

Education

Most judge positions require a doctoral degree. Georgia has several accredited institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Legal InterpretationJudicial ReasoningCourt ProceduresImpartialityLegal WritingCase Management

Job Outlook in Georgia

Nationally, judge employment is projected to grow 3% over the next decade (as fast as average). Georgia's demand may vary based on local industry trends.

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Frequently Asked Questions: Judge Salary in Georgia

How much does a Judge make in Georgia? ▼
The median judge salary in Georgia is $137,668 per year, which is 7% below the national median of $148,030. Salaries range from $53,940 (10th percentile) to $213,900 (90th percentile).
How much does a Judge make per hour in Georgia? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $137,668, a judge in Georgia earns approximately $66 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Georgia a good state for judges? ▼
Georgia ranks #27 out of 50 states for judge pay. The cost of living index is 93% of the national average. Entry-level judges earn $60,450, while senior professionals earn $199,950.
How does Georgia compare to other states for judge salary? ▼
The highest paying state for judges is Hawaii at $251,651. Georgia's median of $137,668 ranks #27 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Montana ($140,629) and Idaho ($139,148).
What is the entry-level judge salary in Georgia? ▼
An entry-level judge in Georgia earns approximately $60,450 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $139,500. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $199,950.
What city in Georgia pays judges the most? ▼
Atlanta is the highest paying city in Georgia for judges, with a median salary of $150,991. Other cities include Augusta and Savannah.