Legal Nebraska (NE) Rank #36 of 50

Judge Salary in Nebraska

The median judge salary in Nebraska is $133,227 per year, which is 10% below the national median of $148,030.

Median Salary
$133,227
vs National
$-14,803
State Rank
#36 of 50
Cost of Living
90%

Judge Salary Overview in Nebraska (2026)

Nebraska ranks #36 out of 50 states for judge compensation. Judge salaries in Nebraska are below the national median, though the lower cost of living can offset the difference. At $133,227 per year, judges in Nebraska earn $14,803 less than the national median of $148,030.

A key advantage of working in Nebraska is its below-average cost of living (90% of the national index). This means the $133,227 salary has the purchasing power of roughly $148,030 in an average-cost area.

The salary spread in Nebraska is significant: judges at the 10th percentile earn $52,200, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $207,000 — a $154,800 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in Nebraska for this role is Omaha, where the median reaches $137,668.

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 Nebraska by Experience

In Nebraska, an entry-level judge earns around $58,500, while experienced professionals earn up to $193,500 per year. The cost of living index in Nebraska is 90% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$58,500
$-6,500 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$135,000
$-15,000 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$193,500
$-21,500 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in Nebraska

Percentile NE Salary
10th Percentile $52,200
25th Percentile $81,000
Median (50th) $133,227
75th Percentile $175,500
90th Percentile $207,000

Judge Salary by City in Nebraska

The largest employment areas for judges in Nebraska include Omaha, Lincoln, Bellevue, and Grand Island. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Judge in Nebraska

Education

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

Key Skills

Legal InterpretationJudicial ReasoningCourt ProceduresImpartialityLegal WritingCase Management

Job Outlook in Nebraska

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

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Frequently Asked Questions: Judge Salary in Nebraska

How much does a Judge make in Nebraska? ▼
The median judge salary in Nebraska is $133,227 per year, which is 10% below the national median of $148,030. Salaries range from $52,200 (10th percentile) to $207,000 (90th percentile).
How much does a Judge make per hour in Nebraska? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $133,227, a judge in Nebraska earns approximately $64 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Nebraska a good state for judges? ▼
Nebraska ranks #36 out of 50 states for judge pay. The cost of living index is 90% of the national average. Entry-level judges earn $58,500, while senior professionals earn $193,500.
How does Nebraska compare to other states for judge salary? ▼
The highest paying state for judges is Hawaii at $251,651. Nebraska's median of $133,227 ranks #36 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Indiana ($133,227) and Michigan ($133,227).
What is the entry-level judge salary in Nebraska? ▼
An entry-level judge in Nebraska earns approximately $58,500 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $135,000. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $193,500.
What city in Nebraska pays judges the most? ▼
Omaha is the highest paying city in Nebraska for judges, with a median salary of $137,668. Other cities include Lincoln and Bellevue.