Legal Rochester, MN Pop. 121,395

Judge Salary in Rochester, Minnesota

The median judge salary in Rochester, MN is $145,069 per year, which is 2% below the national median and 1.0% above the Minnesota state average.

City Median
$145,069
vs State Avg
+$1,480
vs National
$-2,961
Cost of Living
98%

Judge Pay in Rochester: What to Expect (2026)

Rochester offers a median judge salary of $145,069, which is $1,480 above the Minnesota state average of $143,589. Compared to the national median of $148,030, Rochester pays below the national benchmark for this role.

Rochester's cost of living is 98% 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 Rochester spans from $56,840 at the 10th percentile to $225,400 at the 90th percentile — a $168,560 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $63,700, while senior judges with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $210,700. With a population of 121,395, Rochester is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Judge Salary in Rochester by Experience

In Rochester, an entry-level judge earns around $63,700, while experienced professionals earn up to $210,700 per year. The local cost of living index is 98% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$63,700
$-1,300 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$147,000
$-3,000 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$210,700
$-4,300 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Rochester, MN

Percentile Rochester
10th Percentile $56,840
25th Percentile $88,200
Median (50th) $145,069
75th Percentile $191,100
90th Percentile $225,400

Judge Salary in Other Minnesota Cities

How to Become a Judge in Rochester

Education

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

Find Judge Jobs in Rochester

Browse open judge positions in Rochester, MN:

Frequently Asked Questions: Judge Salary in Rochester

How much does a Judge make in Rochester, MN? ▼
The median judge salary in Rochester, Minnesota is $145,069 per year, which is 2% below the national median of $148,030. Salaries range from $56,840 (10th percentile) to $225,400 (90th percentile).
How much does a Judge make per hour in Rochester? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $145,069, a judge in Rochester earns approximately $70 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Rochester compare to the Minnesota state average for judge pay? ▼
Rochester's median judge salary of $145,069 is 1.0% above the Minnesota state average of $143,589. The local cost of living index is 98% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Rochester, MN? ▼
Rochester has a cost of living index of 98% compared to the national average. This means a judge salary of $145,069 in Rochester has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a judge in Rochester? ▼
Most judge positions in Rochester 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.