Legal Wichita, KS Pop. 397,532

Judge Salary in Wichita, Kansas

The median judge salary in Wichita, KS is $125,826 per year, which is 15% below the national median and 2.3% below the Kansas state average.

City Median
$125,826
vs State Avg
$-2,960
vs National
$-22,204
Cost of Living
85%

Judge Pay in Wichita: What to Expect (2026)

Wichita offers a median judge salary of $125,826, which is $2,960 below the Kansas state average of $128,786. Compared to the national median of $148,030, Wichita pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Wichita'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 Wichita an attractive option for judges seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for judges in Wichita 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 397,532, Wichita is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Judge Salary in Wichita by Experience

In Wichita, 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 Wichita, KS

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

Judge Salary in Other Kansas Cities

How to Become a Judge in Wichita

Education

Most judge positions require a doctoral degree. Wichita and the surrounding Kansas 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 Wichita may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Judge Jobs in Wichita

Browse open judge positions in Wichita, KS:

Frequently Asked Questions: Judge Salary in Wichita

How much does a Judge make in Wichita, KS? ▼
The median judge salary in Wichita, Kansas 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 Wichita? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $125,826, a judge in Wichita earns approximately $60 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Wichita compare to the Kansas state average for judge pay? ▼
Wichita's median judge salary of $125,826 is 2.3% below the Kansas state average of $128,786. The local cost of living index is 85% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Wichita, KS? ▼
Wichita has a cost of living index of 85% compared to the national average. This means a judge salary of $125,826 in Wichita has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a judge in Wichita? ▼
Most judge positions in Wichita 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.