Legal Idaho (ID) Rank #26 of 50

Judge Salary in Idaho

The median judge salary in Idaho is $139,148 per year, which is 6% below the national median of $148,030.

Median Salary
$139,148
vs National
$-8,882
State Rank
#26 of 50
Cost of Living
94%

Judge Salary Overview in Idaho (2026)

Idaho ranks #26 out of 50 states for judge compensation. Judge salaries in Idaho are below the national median, though the lower cost of living can offset the difference. At $139,148 per year, judges in Idaho earn $8,882 less than the national median of $148,030.

A key advantage of working in Idaho is its below-average cost of living (94% of the national index). This means the $139,148 salary has the purchasing power of roughly $148,030 in an average-cost area.

The salary spread in Idaho is significant: judges at the 10th percentile earn $54,520, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $216,200 — a $161,680 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in Idaho for this role is Boise, where the median reaches $148,030.

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 Idaho by Experience

In Idaho, an entry-level judge earns around $61,100, while experienced professionals earn up to $202,100 per year. The cost of living index in Idaho is 94% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$61,100
$-3,900 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$141,000
$-9,000 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$202,100
$-12,900 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in Idaho

Percentile ID Salary
10th Percentile $54,520
25th Percentile $84,600
Median (50th) $139,148
75th Percentile $183,300
90th Percentile $216,200

Judge Salary by City in Idaho

The largest employment areas for judges in Idaho include Boise, Meridian, Nampa, and Idaho Falls. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Judge in Idaho

Education

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

Key Skills

Legal InterpretationJudicial ReasoningCourt ProceduresImpartialityLegal WritingCase Management

Job Outlook in Idaho

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

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Frequently Asked Questions: Judge Salary in Idaho

How much does a Judge make in Idaho? ▼
The median judge salary in Idaho is $139,148 per year, which is 6% below the national median of $148,030. Salaries range from $54,520 (10th percentile) to $216,200 (90th percentile).
How much does a Judge make per hour in Idaho? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $139,148, a judge in Idaho earns approximately $67 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Idaho a good state for judges? ▼
Idaho ranks #26 out of 50 states for judge pay. The cost of living index is 94% of the national average. Entry-level judges earn $61,100, while senior professionals earn $202,100.
How does Idaho compare to other states for judge salary? ▼
The highest paying state for judges is Hawaii at $251,651. Idaho's median of $139,148 ranks #26 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Illinois ($140,629) and Montana ($140,629).
What is the entry-level judge salary in Idaho? ▼
An entry-level judge in Idaho earns approximately $61,100 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $141,000. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $202,100.
What city in Idaho pays judges the most? ▼
Boise is the highest paying city in Idaho for judges, with a median salary of $148,030. Other cities include Meridian and Nampa.