Legal Des Moines, IA
Pop. 214,133
Judge Salary in Des Moines, Iowa
The median judge salary in Des Moines, IA is $136,188 per year, which is 8% below the national median and 3.4% above the Iowa state average.
City Median
$136,188
vs State Avg
+$4,441
vs National
$-11,842
Cost of Living
92%
Judge Salary in Des Moines by Experience
In Des Moines, an entry-level judge earns around $59,800, while experienced professionals earn up to $197,800 per year. The local cost of living index is 92% of the national average.
Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$59,800
$-5,200 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$138,000
$-12,000 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$197,800
$-17,200 vs national
Salary Percentiles in Des Moines, IA
| Percentile | Des Moines |
|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $53,360 |
| 25th Percentile | $82,800 |
| Median (50th) | $136,188 |
| 75th Percentile | $179,400 |
| 90th Percentile | $211,600 |
Judge Salary in Other Iowa Cities
How to Become a Judge in Des Moines
Education
Most judge positions require a doctoral degree. Des Moines and the surrounding Iowa 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 Des Moines may vary based on local industry and population growth.