Legal Mississippi (MS) Rank #50 of 50

Judge Salary in Mississippi

The median judge salary in Mississippi is $122,865 per year, which is 17% below the national median of $148,030.

Median Salary
$122,865
vs National
$-25,165
State Rank
#50 of 50
Cost of Living
83%

Judge Salary Overview in Mississippi (2026)

Mississippi ranks #50 out of 50 states for judge compensation. Judge salaries in Mississippi are below the national median, though the lower cost of living can offset the difference. At $122,865 per year, judges in Mississippi earn $25,165 less than the national median of $148,030.

A key advantage of working in Mississippi is its below-average cost of living (83% of the national index). This means the $122,865 salary has the purchasing power of roughly $148,030 in an average-cost area.

The salary spread in Mississippi is significant: judges at the 10th percentile earn $48,140, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $190,900 — a $142,760 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in Mississippi for this role is Jackson, where the median reaches $125,826.

Nationally, judge employment is projected to grow 3% over the next decade (as fast as average). This steady growth indicates stable demand for judges across the country.

Judge Salary in Mississippi by Experience

In Mississippi, an entry-level judge earns around $53,950, while experienced professionals earn up to $178,450 per year. The cost of living index in Mississippi is 83% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$53,950
$-11,050 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$124,500
$-25,500 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$178,450
$-36,550 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in Mississippi

Percentile MS Salary
10th Percentile $48,140
25th Percentile $74,700
Median (50th) $122,865
75th Percentile $161,850
90th Percentile $190,900

Judge Salary by City in Mississippi

The largest employment areas for judges in Mississippi include Jackson, Gulfport, Southaven, and Hattiesburg. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Judge in Mississippi

Education

Most judge positions require a doctoral degree. Mississippi has several accredited institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Legal InterpretationJudicial ReasoningCourt ProceduresImpartialityLegal WritingCase Management

Job Outlook in Mississippi

Nationally, judge employment is projected to grow 3% over the next decade (as fast as average). Mississippi's demand may vary based on local industry trends.

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Frequently Asked Questions: Judge Salary in Mississippi

How much does a Judge make in Mississippi? ▼
The median judge salary in Mississippi is $122,865 per year, which is 17% below the national median of $148,030. Salaries range from $48,140 (10th percentile) to $190,900 (90th percentile).
How much does a Judge make per hour in Mississippi? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $122,865, a judge in Mississippi earns approximately $59 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Mississippi a good state for judges? ▼
Mississippi ranks #50 out of 50 states for judge pay. The cost of living index is 83% of the national average. Entry-level judges earn $53,950, while senior professionals earn $178,450.
How does Mississippi compare to other states for judge salary? ▼
The highest paying state for judges is Hawaii at $251,651. Mississippi's median of $122,865 ranks #50 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Arkansas ($124,345) and West Virginia ($124,345).
What is the entry-level judge salary in Mississippi? ▼
An entry-level judge in Mississippi earns approximately $53,950 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $124,500. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $178,450.
What city in Mississippi pays judges the most? ▼
Jackson is the highest paying city in Mississippi for judges, with a median salary of $125,826. Other cities include Gulfport and Southaven.