Judge Salary in Rockford, Illinois
The median judge salary in Rockford, IL is $121,385 per year, which is 18% below the national median and 13.7% below the Illinois state average.
Judge Pay in Rockford: What to Expect (2026)
Rockford offers a median judge salary of $121,385, which is $19,244 below the Illinois state average of $140,629. Compared to the national median of $148,030, Rockford pays below the national benchmark for this role.
One of Rockford's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 82% of the national average. This means the $121,385 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $148,030 in an average-cost city. This makes Rockford an attractive option for judges seeking strong real-dollar compensation.
The salary range for judges in Rockford spans from $47,560 at the 10th percentile to $188,600 at the 90th percentile — a $141,040 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $53,300, while senior judges with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $176,300. With a population of 148,655, Rockford is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.
Judge Salary in Rockford by Experience
In Rockford, an entry-level judge earns around $53,300, while experienced professionals earn up to $176,300 per year. The local cost of living index is 82% of the national average.
Salary Percentiles in Rockford, IL
| Percentile | Rockford |
|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $47,560 |
| 25th Percentile | $73,800 |
| Median (50th) | $121,385 |
| 75th Percentile | $159,900 |
| 90th Percentile | $188,600 |
Judge Salary in Other Illinois Cities
How to Become a Judge in Rockford
Education
Most judge positions require a doctoral degree. Rockford and the surrounding Illinois area have institutions offering relevant programs.
Key Skills
Job Outlook
Nationally, judge employment is projected to grow 3% over the next decade (as fast as average). Demand in Rockford may vary based on local industry and population growth.
Find Judge Jobs in Rockford
Browse open judge positions in Rockford, IL: