Legal Iowa (IA) Rank #39 of 50

Judge Salary in Iowa

The median judge salary in Iowa is $131,747 per year, which is 11% below the national median of $148,030.

Median Salary
$131,747
vs National
$-16,283
State Rank
#39 of 50
Cost of Living
89%

Judge Salary in Iowa by Experience

In Iowa, an entry-level judge earns around $57,850, while experienced professionals earn up to $191,350 per year. The cost of living index in Iowa is 89% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$57,850
$-7,150 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$133,500
$-16,500 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$191,350
$-23,650 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Iowa

Percentile IA Salary
10th Percentile $51,620
25th Percentile $80,100
Median (50th) $131,747
75th Percentile $173,550
90th Percentile $204,700

Judge Salary by City in Iowa

The largest employment areas for judges in Iowa include Des Moines, Cedar Rapids, Davenport, and Sioux City. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Judge in Iowa

Education

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

Key Skills

Legal InterpretationJudicial ReasoningCourt ProceduresImpartialityLegal WritingCase Management

Job Outlook in Iowa

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