Legal Aurora, IL Pop. 197,757

Judge Salary in Aurora, Illinois

The median judge salary in Aurora, IL is $140,629 per year, which is 5% below the national median and 0.0% above the Illinois state average.

City Median
$140,629
vs State Avg
+$0
vs National
$-7,401
Cost of Living
95%

Judge Pay in Aurora: What to Expect (2026)

Aurora offers a median judge salary of $140,629, which is $0 above the Illinois state average of $140,629. Compared to the national median of $148,030, Aurora pays below the national benchmark for this role.

Aurora's cost of living is 95% 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 Aurora spans from $55,100 at the 10th percentile to $218,500 at the 90th percentile — a $163,400 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $61,750, while senior judges with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $204,250. With a population of 197,757, Aurora is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Judge Salary in Aurora by Experience

In Aurora, an entry-level judge earns around $61,750, while experienced professionals earn up to $204,250 per year. The local cost of living index is 95% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$61,750
$-3,250 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$142,500
$-7,500 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$204,250
$-10,750 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Aurora, IL

Percentile Aurora
10th Percentile $55,100
25th Percentile $85,500
Median (50th) $140,629
75th Percentile $185,250
90th Percentile $218,500

Judge Salary in Other Illinois Cities

How to Become a Judge in Aurora

Education

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

Find Judge Jobs in Aurora

Browse open judge positions in Aurora, IL:

Frequently Asked Questions: Judge Salary in Aurora

How much does a Judge make in Aurora, IL? ▼
The median judge salary in Aurora, Illinois is $140,629 per year, which is 5% below the national median of $148,030. Salaries range from $55,100 (10th percentile) to $218,500 (90th percentile).
How much does a Judge make per hour in Aurora? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $140,629, a judge in Aurora earns approximately $68 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Aurora compare to the Illinois state average for judge pay? ▼
Aurora's median judge salary of $140,629 is 0.0% above the Illinois state average of $140,629. The local cost of living index is 95% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Aurora, IL? ▼
Aurora has a cost of living index of 95% compared to the national average. This means a judge salary of $140,629 in Aurora has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a judge in Aurora? ▼
Most judge positions in Aurora 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.