Legal Jersey City, NJ Pop. 292,449

Judge Salary in Jersey City, New Jersey

The median judge salary in Jersey City, NJ is $189,478 per year, which is 28.0% above the national median and 11.3% above the New Jersey state average.

City Median
$189,478
vs State Avg
+$19,243
vs National
+$41,448
Cost of Living
128%

Judge Pay in Jersey City: What to Expect (2026)

Jersey City offers a median judge salary of $189,478, which is $19,243 above the New Jersey state average of $170,235. Compared to the national median of $148,030, Jersey City pays above average for this role.

However, Jersey City's cost of living index is 128%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $189,478 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $148,030. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Jersey City should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for judges in Jersey City spans from $74,240 at the 10th percentile to $294,400 at the 90th percentile — a $220,160 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $83,200, while senior judges with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $275,200. With a population of 292,449, Jersey City is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Judge Salary in Jersey City by Experience

In Jersey City, an entry-level judge earns around $83,200, while experienced professionals earn up to $275,200 per year. The local cost of living index is 128% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$83,200
+$18,200 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$192,000
+$42,000 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$275,200
+$60,200 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Jersey City, NJ

Percentile Jersey City
10th Percentile $74,240
25th Percentile $115,200
Median (50th) $189,478
75th Percentile $249,600
90th Percentile $294,400

Judge Salary in Other New Jersey Cities

How to Become a Judge in Jersey City

Education

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

Find Judge Jobs in Jersey City

Browse open judge positions in Jersey City, NJ:

Frequently Asked Questions: Judge Salary in Jersey City

How much does a Judge make in Jersey City, NJ? ▼
The median judge salary in Jersey City, New Jersey is $189,478 per year, which is 28.0% above the national median of $148,030. Salaries range from $74,240 (10th percentile) to $294,400 (90th percentile).
How much does a Judge make per hour in Jersey City? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $189,478, a judge in Jersey City earns approximately $91 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Jersey City compare to the New Jersey state average for judge pay? ▼
Jersey City's median judge salary of $189,478 is 11.3% above the New Jersey state average of $170,235. The local cost of living index is 128% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Jersey City, NJ? ▼
Jersey City has a cost of living index of 128% compared to the national average. This means a judge salary of $189,478 in Jersey City has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a judge in Jersey City? ▼
Most judge positions in Jersey City 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.