Legal Cambridge, MA Pop. 118,403

Judge Salary in Cambridge, Massachusetts

The median judge salary in Cambridge, MA is $236,848 per year, which is 60.0% above the national median and 18.5% above the Massachusetts state average.

City Median
$236,848
vs State Avg
+$37,007
vs National
+$88,818
Cost of Living
160%

Judge Pay in Cambridge: What to Expect (2026)

Cambridge offers a median judge salary of $236,848, which is $37,007 above the Massachusetts state average of $199,841. Compared to the national median of $148,030, Cambridge pays above average for this role.

However, Cambridge's cost of living index is 160%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $236,848 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $148,030. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Cambridge should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for judges in Cambridge spans from $92,800 at the 10th percentile to $368,000 at the 90th percentile — a $275,200 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $104,000, while senior judges with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $344,000. With a population of 118,403, Cambridge is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Judge Salary in Cambridge by Experience

In Cambridge, an entry-level judge earns around $104,000, while experienced professionals earn up to $344,000 per year. The local cost of living index is 160% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$104,000
+$39,000 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$240,000
+$90,000 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$344,000
+$129,000 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Cambridge, MA

Percentile Cambridge
10th Percentile $92,800
25th Percentile $144,000
Median (50th) $236,848
75th Percentile $312,000
90th Percentile $368,000

Judge Salary in Other Massachusetts Cities

Boston, MA
$225,006
Pop. 675,647
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 Cambridge

Education

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

Find Judge Jobs in Cambridge

Browse open judge positions in Cambridge, MA:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Judge Salary in Cambridge

How much does a Judge make in Cambridge, MA? ▼
The median judge salary in Cambridge, Massachusetts is $236,848 per year, which is 60.0% above the national median of $148,030. Salaries range from $92,800 (10th percentile) to $368,000 (90th percentile).
How much does a Judge make per hour in Cambridge? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $236,848, a judge in Cambridge earns approximately $114 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Cambridge compare to the Massachusetts state average for judge pay? ▼
Cambridge's median judge salary of $236,848 is 18.5% above the Massachusetts state average of $199,841. The local cost of living index is 160% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Cambridge, MA? ▼
Cambridge has a cost of living index of 160% compared to the national average. This means a judge salary of $236,848 in Cambridge has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a judge in Cambridge? ▼
Most judge positions in Cambridge 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.