Legal Springfield, IL Pop. 114,394

Judge Salary in Springfield, Illinois

The median judge salary in Springfield, IL is $125,826 per year, which is 15% below the national median and 10.5% below the Illinois state average.

City Median
$125,826
vs State Avg
$-14,803
vs National
$-22,204
Cost of Living
85%

Judge Pay in Springfield: What to Expect (2026)

Springfield offers a median judge salary of $125,826, which is $14,803 below the Illinois state average of $140,629. Compared to the national median of $148,030, Springfield pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Springfield's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 85% of the national average. This means the $125,826 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $148,031 in an average-cost city. This makes Springfield an attractive option for judges seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for judges in Springfield spans from $49,300 at the 10th percentile to $195,500 at the 90th percentile — a $146,200 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $55,250, while senior judges with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $182,750. With a population of 114,394, Springfield is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Judge Salary in Springfield by Experience

In Springfield, an entry-level judge earns around $55,250, while experienced professionals earn up to $182,750 per year. The local cost of living index is 85% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$55,250
$-9,750 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$127,500
$-22,500 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$182,750
$-32,250 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Springfield, IL

Percentile Springfield
10th Percentile $49,300
25th Percentile $76,500
Median (50th) $125,826
75th Percentile $165,750
90th Percentile $195,500

Judge Salary in Other Illinois Cities

Naperville, IL
$159,872
Pop. 149,540
Chicago, IL
$158,392
Pop. 2,693,976
Aurora, IL
$140,629
Pop. 197,757
Rockford, IL
$121,385
Pop. 148,655

How to Become a Judge in Springfield

Education

Most judge positions require a doctoral degree. Springfield 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 Springfield may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Judge Jobs in Springfield

Browse open judge positions in Springfield, IL:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Judge Salary in Springfield

How much does a Judge make in Springfield, IL? ▼
The median judge salary in Springfield, Illinois is $125,826 per year, which is 15% below the national median of $148,030. Salaries range from $49,300 (10th percentile) to $195,500 (90th percentile).
How much does a Judge make per hour in Springfield? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $125,826, a judge in Springfield earns approximately $60 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Springfield compare to the Illinois state average for judge pay? ▼
Springfield's median judge salary of $125,826 is 10.5% below the Illinois state average of $140,629. The local cost of living index is 85% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Springfield, IL? ▼
Springfield has a cost of living index of 85% compared to the national average. This means a judge salary of $125,826 in Springfield has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a judge in Springfield? ▼
Most judge positions in Springfield 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.