Judge Salary in Helena, Montana
The median judge salary in Helena, MT is $139,148 per year, which is 6% below the national median and 1.1% below the Montana state average.
Judge Pay in Helena: What to Expect (2026)
Helena offers a median judge salary of $139,148, which is $1,481 below the Montana state average of $140,629. Compared to the national median of $148,030, Helena pays below the national benchmark for this role.
Helena's cost of living is 94% 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 Helena spans from $54,520 at the 10th percentile to $216,200 at the 90th percentile — a $161,680 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $61,100, while senior judges with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $202,100. Helena is a smaller market (pop. 32,315), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.
Judge Salary in Helena by Experience
In Helena, an entry-level judge earns around $61,100, while experienced professionals earn up to $202,100 per year. The local cost of living index is 94% of the national average.
Salary Percentiles in Helena, MT
| Percentile | Helena |
|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $54,520 |
| 25th Percentile | $84,600 |
| Median (50th) | $139,148 |
| 75th Percentile | $183,300 |
| 90th Percentile | $216,200 |
Judge Salary in Other Montana Cities
How to Become a Judge in Helena
Education
Most judge positions require a doctoral degree. Helena and the surrounding Montana 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 Helena may vary based on local industry and population growth.
Find Judge Jobs in Helena
Browse open judge positions in Helena, MT: