Legal Springfield, MO Pop. 169,176

Judge Salary in Springfield, Missouri

The median judge salary in Springfield, MO is $121,385 per year, which is 18% below the national median and 6.8% below the Missouri state average.

City Median
$121,385
vs State Avg
$-8,881
vs National
$-26,645
Cost of Living
82%

Judge Pay in Springfield: What to Expect (2026)

Springfield offers a median judge salary of $121,385, which is $8,881 below the Missouri state average of $130,266. Compared to the national median of $148,030, Springfield pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Springfield's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 82% of the national average. This means the $121,385 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $148,030 in an average-cost city. This makes Springfield an attractive option for judges seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for judges in Springfield spans from $47,560 at the 10th percentile to $188,600 at the 90th percentile — a $141,040 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $53,300, while senior judges with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $176,300. With a population of 169,176, Springfield is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Judge Salary in Springfield by Experience

In Springfield, an entry-level judge earns around $53,300, while experienced professionals earn up to $176,300 per year. The local cost of living index is 82% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$53,300
$-11,700 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$123,000
$-27,000 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$176,300
$-38,700 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Springfield, MO

Percentile Springfield
10th Percentile $47,560
25th Percentile $73,800
Median (50th) $121,385
75th Percentile $159,900
90th Percentile $188,600

Judge Salary in Other Missouri Cities

Kansas City, MO
$136,188
Pop. 508,090
Saint Louis, MO
$133,227
Pop. 301,578
Columbia, MO
$130,266
Pop. 126,254
Independence, MO
$125,826
Pop. 123,011

How to Become a Judge in Springfield

Education

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

Find Judge Jobs in Springfield

Browse open judge positions in Springfield, MO:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Judge Salary in Springfield

How much does a Judge make in Springfield, MO? ▼
The median judge salary in Springfield, Missouri is $121,385 per year, which is 18% below the national median of $148,030. Salaries range from $47,560 (10th percentile) to $188,600 (90th percentile).
How much does a Judge make per hour in Springfield? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $121,385, a judge in Springfield earns approximately $58 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Springfield compare to the Missouri state average for judge pay? ▼
Springfield's median judge salary of $121,385 is 6.8% below the Missouri state average of $130,266. The local cost of living index is 82% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Springfield, MO? ▼
Springfield has a cost of living index of 82% compared to the national average. This means a judge salary of $121,385 in Springfield has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a judge in Springfield? ▼
Most judge positions in Springfield 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.