Legal Boston, MA Pop. 675,647

Judge Salary in Boston, Massachusetts

The median judge salary in Boston, MA is $225,006 per year, which is 52.0% above the national median and 12.6% above the Massachusetts state average.

City Median
$225,006
vs State Avg
+$25,165
vs National
+$76,976
Cost of Living
152%

Judge Pay in Boston: What to Expect (2026)

Boston offers a median judge salary of $225,006, which is $25,165 above the Massachusetts state average of $199,841. Compared to the national median of $148,030, Boston pays above average for this role.

However, Boston's cost of living index is 152%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $225,006 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $148,030. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Boston should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for judges in Boston spans from $88,160 at the 10th percentile to $349,600 at the 90th percentile — a $261,440 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $98,800, while senior judges with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $326,800. As a major metro area with a population of 675,647, Boston typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Judge Salary in Boston by Experience

In Boston, an entry-level judge earns around $98,800, while experienced professionals earn up to $326,800 per year. The local cost of living index is 152% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$98,800
+$33,800 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$228,000
+$78,000 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$326,800
+$111,800 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Boston, MA

Percentile Boston
10th Percentile $88,160
25th Percentile $136,800
Median (50th) $225,006
75th Percentile $296,400
90th Percentile $349,600

Judge Salary in Other Massachusetts Cities

Cambridge, MA
$236,848
Pop. 118,403
Worcester, MA
$162,833
Pop. 206,518
Lowell, MA
$155,432
Pop. 115,554
Springfield, MA
$145,069
Pop. 155,929

How to Become a Judge in Boston

Education

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

Find Judge Jobs in Boston

Browse open judge positions in Boston, MA:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Judge Salary in Boston

How much does a Judge make in Boston, MA? ▼
The median judge salary in Boston, Massachusetts is $225,006 per year, which is 52.0% above the national median of $148,030. Salaries range from $88,160 (10th percentile) to $349,600 (90th percentile).
How much does a Judge make per hour in Boston? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $225,006, a judge in Boston earns approximately $108 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Boston compare to the Massachusetts state average for judge pay? ▼
Boston's median judge salary of $225,006 is 12.6% above the Massachusetts state average of $199,841. The local cost of living index is 152% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Boston, MA? ▼
Boston has a cost of living index of 152% compared to the national average. This means a judge salary of $225,006 in Boston has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a judge in Boston? ▼
Most judge positions in Boston 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.