Legal Elizabeth, NJ Pop. 137,298

Judge Salary in Elizabeth, New Jersey

The median judge salary in Elizabeth, NJ is $159,872 per year, which is 8.0% above the national median and 6.1% below the New Jersey state average.

City Median
$159,872
vs State Avg
$-10,363
vs National
+$11,842
Cost of Living
108%

Judge Pay in Elizabeth: What to Expect (2026)

Elizabeth offers a median judge salary of $159,872, which is $10,363 below the New Jersey state average of $170,235. Compared to the national median of $148,030, Elizabeth pays above average for this role.

Elizabeth's cost of living is 108% 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 Elizabeth spans from $62,640 at the 10th percentile to $248,400 at the 90th percentile — a $185,760 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $70,200, while senior judges with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $232,200. With a population of 137,298, Elizabeth is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Judge Salary in Elizabeth by Experience

In Elizabeth, an entry-level judge earns around $70,200, while experienced professionals earn up to $232,200 per year. The local cost of living index is 108% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$70,200
+$5,200 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$162,000
+$12,000 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$232,200
+$17,200 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Elizabeth, NJ

Percentile Elizabeth
10th Percentile $62,640
25th Percentile $97,200
Median (50th) $159,872
75th Percentile $210,600
90th Percentile $248,400

Judge Salary in Other New Jersey Cities

How to Become a Judge in Elizabeth

Education

Most judge positions require a doctoral degree. Elizabeth and the surrounding New Jersey 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 Elizabeth may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Judge Jobs in Elizabeth

Browse open judge positions in Elizabeth, NJ:

Frequently Asked Questions: Judge Salary in Elizabeth

How much does a Judge make in Elizabeth, NJ? ▼
The median judge salary in Elizabeth, New Jersey is $159,872 per year, which is 8.0% above the national median of $148,030. Salaries range from $62,640 (10th percentile) to $248,400 (90th percentile).
How much does a Judge make per hour in Elizabeth? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $159,872, a judge in Elizabeth earns approximately $77 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Elizabeth compare to the New Jersey state average for judge pay? ▼
Elizabeth's median judge salary of $159,872 is 6.1% below the New Jersey state average of $170,235. The local cost of living index is 108% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Elizabeth, NJ? ▼
Elizabeth has a cost of living index of 108% compared to the national average. This means a judge salary of $159,872 in Elizabeth has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a judge in Elizabeth? ▼
Most judge positions in Elizabeth 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.