Legal Missoula, MT Pop. 75,516

Judge Salary in Missoula, Montana

The median judge salary in Missoula, MT is $150,991 per year, which is 2.0% above the national median and 7.4% above the Montana state average.

City Median
$150,991
vs State Avg
+$10,362
vs National
+$2,961
Cost of Living
102%

Judge Pay in Missoula: What to Expect (2026)

Missoula offers a median judge salary of $150,991, which is $10,362 above the Montana state average of $140,629. Compared to the national median of $148,030, Missoula pays above average for this role.

Missoula's cost of living is 102% 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 Missoula spans from $59,160 at the 10th percentile to $234,600 at the 90th percentile — a $175,440 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $66,300, while senior judges with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $219,300. Missoula is a smaller market (pop. 75,516), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Judge Salary in Missoula by Experience

In Missoula, an entry-level judge earns around $66,300, while experienced professionals earn up to $219,300 per year. The local cost of living index is 102% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$66,300
+$1,300 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$153,000
+$3,000 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$219,300
+$4,300 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Missoula, MT

Percentile Missoula
10th Percentile $59,160
25th Percentile $91,800
Median (50th) $150,991
75th Percentile $198,900
90th Percentile $234,600

Judge Salary in Other Montana Cities

How to Become a Judge in Missoula

Education

Most judge positions require a doctoral degree. Missoula 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 Missoula may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Judge Jobs in Missoula

Browse open judge positions in Missoula, MT:

Frequently Asked Questions: Judge Salary in Missoula

How much does a Judge make in Missoula, MT? ▼
The median judge salary in Missoula, Montana is $150,991 per year, which is 2.0% above the national median of $148,030. Salaries range from $59,160 (10th percentile) to $234,600 (90th percentile).
How much does a Judge make per hour in Missoula? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $150,991, a judge in Missoula earns approximately $73 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Missoula compare to the Montana state average for judge pay? ▼
Missoula's median judge salary of $150,991 is 7.4% above the Montana state average of $140,629. The local cost of living index is 102% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Missoula, MT? ▼
Missoula has a cost of living index of 102% compared to the national average. This means a judge salary of $150,991 in Missoula has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a judge in Missoula? ▼
Most judge positions in Missoula 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.