Judge Salary in Grand Rapids, Michigan
The median judge salary in Grand Rapids, MI is $133,227 per year, which is 10% below the national median and 0.0% above the Michigan state average.
Judge Pay in Grand Rapids: What to Expect (2026)
Grand Rapids offers a median judge salary of $133,227, which is $0 above the Michigan state average of $133,227. Compared to the national median of $148,030, Grand Rapids pays below the national benchmark for this role.
Grand Rapids's cost of living is 90% 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 Grand Rapids spans from $52,200 at the 10th percentile to $207,000 at the 90th percentile — a $154,800 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $58,500, while senior judges with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $193,500. With a population of 198,917, Grand Rapids is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.
Judge Salary in Grand Rapids by Experience
In Grand Rapids, an entry-level judge earns around $58,500, while experienced professionals earn up to $193,500 per year. The local cost of living index is 90% of the national average.
Salary Percentiles in Grand Rapids, MI
| Percentile | Grand Rapids |
|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $52,200 |
| 25th Percentile | $81,000 |
| Median (50th) | $133,227 |
| 75th Percentile | $175,500 |
| 90th Percentile | $207,000 |
Judge Salary in Other Michigan Cities
How to Become a Judge in Grand Rapids
Education
Most judge positions require a doctoral degree. Grand Rapids and the surrounding Michigan 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 Grand Rapids may vary based on local industry and population growth.
Find Judge Jobs in Grand Rapids
Browse open judge positions in Grand Rapids, MI: