Legal Chicago, IL
Pop. 2,693,976
Judge Salary in Chicago, Illinois
The median judge salary in Chicago, IL is $158,392 per year, which is 7.0% above the national median and 12.6% above the Illinois state average.
City Median
$158,392
vs State Avg
+$17,763
vs National
+$10,362
Cost of Living
107%
Judge Salary in Chicago by Experience
In Chicago, an entry-level judge earns around $69,550, while experienced professionals earn up to $230,050 per year. The local cost of living index is 107% of the national average.
Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$69,550
+$4,550 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$160,500
+$10,500 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$230,050
+$15,050 vs national
Salary Percentiles in Chicago, IL
| Percentile | Chicago |
|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $62,060 |
| 25th Percentile | $96,300 |
| Median (50th) | $158,392 |
| 75th Percentile | $208,650 |
| 90th Percentile | $246,100 |
Judge Salary in Other Illinois Cities
How to Become a Judge in Chicago
Education
Most judge positions require a doctoral degree. Chicago 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 Chicago may vary based on local industry and population growth.