Legal Bozeman, MT Pop. 53,293

Judge Salary in Bozeman, Montana

The median judge salary in Bozeman, MT is $170,235 per year, which is 15.0% above the national median and 21.1% above the Montana state average.

City Median
$170,235
vs State Avg
+$29,606
vs National
+$22,205
Cost of Living
115%

Judge Pay in Bozeman: What to Expect (2026)

Bozeman offers a median judge salary of $170,235, which is $29,606 above the Montana state average of $140,629. Compared to the national median of $148,030, Bozeman pays above average for this role.

However, Bozeman's cost of living index is 115%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $170,235 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $148,030. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Bozeman should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for judges in Bozeman spans from $66,700 at the 10th percentile to $264,500 at the 90th percentile — a $197,800 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $74,750, while senior judges with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $247,250. Bozeman is a smaller market (pop. 53,293), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Judge Salary in Bozeman by Experience

In Bozeman, an entry-level judge earns around $74,750, while experienced professionals earn up to $247,250 per year. The local cost of living index is 115% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$74,750
+$9,750 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$172,500
+$22,500 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$247,250
+$32,250 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Bozeman, MT

Percentile Bozeman
10th Percentile $66,700
25th Percentile $103,500
Median (50th) $170,235
75th Percentile $224,250
90th Percentile $264,500

Judge Salary in Other Montana Cities

How to Become a Judge in Bozeman

Education

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

Find Judge Jobs in Bozeman

Browse open judge positions in Bozeman, MT:

Frequently Asked Questions: Judge Salary in Bozeman

How much does a Judge make in Bozeman, MT? ▼
The median judge salary in Bozeman, Montana is $170,235 per year, which is 15.0% above the national median of $148,030. Salaries range from $66,700 (10th percentile) to $264,500 (90th percentile).
How much does a Judge make per hour in Bozeman? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $170,235, a judge in Bozeman earns approximately $82 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Bozeman compare to the Montana state average for judge pay? ▼
Bozeman's median judge salary of $170,235 is 21.1% above the Montana state average of $140,629. The local cost of living index is 115% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Bozeman, MT? ▼
Bozeman has a cost of living index of 115% compared to the national average. This means a judge salary of $170,235 in Bozeman has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a judge in Bozeman? ▼
Most judge positions in Bozeman 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.