Legal Portland, ME Pop. 68,408

Judge Salary in Portland, Maine

The median judge salary in Portland, ME is $159,872 per year, which is 8.0% above the national median and 10.2% above the Maine state average.

City Median
$159,872
vs State Avg
+$14,803
vs National
+$11,842
Cost of Living
108%

Judge Pay in Portland: What to Expect (2026)

Portland offers a median judge salary of $159,872, which is $14,803 above the Maine state average of $145,069. Compared to the national median of $148,030, Portland pays above average for this role.

Portland's cost of living is 108% of the national average, meaning salary figures here closely reflect actual purchasing power. This makes direct comparisons to other cities straightforward.

The salary range for judges in Portland spans from $62,640 at the 10th percentile to $248,400 at the 90th percentile — a $185,760 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $70,200, while senior judges with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $232,200. Portland is a smaller market (pop. 68,408), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Judge Salary in Portland by Experience

In Portland, an entry-level judge earns around $70,200, while experienced professionals earn up to $232,200 per year. The local cost of living index is 108% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$70,200
+$5,200 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$162,000
+$12,000 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$232,200
+$17,200 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Portland, ME

Percentile Portland
10th Percentile $62,640
25th Percentile $97,200
Median (50th) $159,872
75th Percentile $210,600
90th Percentile $248,400

Judge Salary in Other Maine Cities

How to Become a Judge in Portland

Education

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

Find Judge Jobs in Portland

Browse open judge positions in Portland, ME:

Frequently Asked Questions: Judge Salary in Portland

How much does a Judge make in Portland, ME? ▼
The median judge salary in Portland, Maine is $159,872 per year, which is 8.0% above the national median of $148,030. Salaries range from $62,640 (10th percentile) to $248,400 (90th percentile).
How much does a Judge make per hour in Portland? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $159,872, a judge in Portland earns approximately $77 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Portland compare to the Maine state average for judge pay? ▼
Portland's median judge salary of $159,872 is 10.2% above the Maine state average of $145,069. The local cost of living index is 108% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Portland, ME? ▼
Portland has a cost of living index of 108% compared to the national average. This means a judge salary of $159,872 in Portland has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a judge in Portland? ▼
Most judge positions in Portland 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.