Legal Sioux City, IA Pop. 85,797

Judge Salary in Sioux City, Iowa

The median judge salary in Sioux City, IA is $124,345 per year, which is 16% below the national median and 5.6% below the Iowa state average.

City Median
$124,345
vs State Avg
$-7,402
vs National
$-23,685
Cost of Living
84%

Judge Pay in Sioux City: What to Expect (2026)

Sioux City offers a median judge salary of $124,345, which is $7,402 below the Iowa state average of $131,747. Compared to the national median of $148,030, Sioux City pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Sioux City's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 84% of the national average. This means the $124,345 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $148,030 in an average-cost city. This makes Sioux City an attractive option for judges seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for judges in Sioux City spans from $48,720 at the 10th percentile to $193,200 at the 90th percentile — a $144,480 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $54,600, while senior judges with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $180,600. Sioux City is a smaller market (pop. 85,797), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Judge Salary in Sioux City by Experience

In Sioux City, an entry-level judge earns around $54,600, while experienced professionals earn up to $180,600 per year. The local cost of living index is 84% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$54,600
$-10,400 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$126,000
$-24,000 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$180,600
$-34,400 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Sioux City, IA

Percentile Sioux City
10th Percentile $48,720
25th Percentile $75,600
Median (50th) $124,345
75th Percentile $163,800
90th Percentile $193,200

Judge Salary in Other Iowa Cities

Iowa City, IA
$140,629
Pop. 74,828
Des Moines, IA
$136,188
Pop. 214,133
Cedar Rapids, IA
$130,266
Pop. 137,710
Davenport, IA
$127,306
Pop. 101,724

How to Become a Judge in Sioux City

Education

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

Find Judge Jobs in Sioux City

Browse open judge positions in Sioux City, IA:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Judge Salary in Sioux City

How much does a Judge make in Sioux City, IA? ▼
The median judge salary in Sioux City, Iowa is $124,345 per year, which is 16% below the national median of $148,030. Salaries range from $48,720 (10th percentile) to $193,200 (90th percentile).
How much does a Judge make per hour in Sioux City? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $124,345, a judge in Sioux City earns approximately $60 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Sioux City compare to the Iowa state average for judge pay? ▼
Sioux City's median judge salary of $124,345 is 5.6% below the Iowa state average of $131,747. The local cost of living index is 84% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Sioux City, IA? ▼
Sioux City has a cost of living index of 84% compared to the national average. This means a judge salary of $124,345 in Sioux City has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a judge in Sioux City? ▼
Most judge positions in Sioux City 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.