Judge Salary in Kansas City, Kansas
The median judge salary in Kansas City, KS is $130,266 per year, which is 12% below the national median and 1.1% above the Kansas state average.
Judge Pay in Kansas City: What to Expect (2026)
Kansas City offers a median judge salary of $130,266, which is $1,480 above the Kansas state average of $128,786. Compared to the national median of $148,030, Kansas City pays below the national benchmark for this role.
One of Kansas City's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 88% of the national average. This means the $130,266 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $148,030 in an average-cost city. This makes Kansas City an attractive option for judges seeking strong real-dollar compensation.
The salary range for judges in Kansas City spans from $51,040 at the 10th percentile to $202,400 at the 90th percentile — a $151,360 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $57,200, while senior judges with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $189,200. With a population of 156,607, Kansas City is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.
Judge Salary in Kansas City by Experience
In Kansas City, an entry-level judge earns around $57,200, while experienced professionals earn up to $189,200 per year. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.
Salary Percentiles in Kansas City, KS
| Percentile | Kansas City |
|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $51,040 |
| 25th Percentile | $79,200 |
| Median (50th) | $130,266 |
| 75th Percentile | $171,600 |
| 90th Percentile | $202,400 |
Judge Salary in Other Kansas Cities
How to Become a Judge in Kansas City
Education
Most judge positions require a doctoral degree. Kansas City and the surrounding Kansas 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 Kansas City may vary based on local industry and population growth.
Find Judge Jobs in Kansas City
Browse open judge positions in Kansas City, KS: