Legal Newark, NJ Pop. 311,549

Judge Salary in Newark, New Jersey

The median judge salary in Newark, NJ is $165,794 per year, which is 12.0% above the national median and 2.6% below the New Jersey state average.

City Median
$165,794
vs State Avg
$-4,441
vs National
+$17,764
Cost of Living
112%

Judge Pay in Newark: What to Expect (2026)

Newark offers a median judge salary of $165,794, which is $4,441 below the New Jersey state average of $170,235. Compared to the national median of $148,030, Newark pays above average for this role.

However, Newark's cost of living index is 112%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $165,794 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $148,030. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Newark should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for judges in Newark spans from $64,960 at the 10th percentile to $257,600 at the 90th percentile — a $192,640 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $72,800, while senior judges with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $240,800. With a population of 311,549, Newark is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Judge Salary in Newark by Experience

In Newark, an entry-level judge earns around $72,800, while experienced professionals earn up to $240,800 per year. The local cost of living index is 112% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$72,800
+$7,800 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$168,000
+$18,000 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$240,800
+$25,800 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Newark, NJ

Percentile Newark
10th Percentile $64,960
25th Percentile $100,800
Median (50th) $165,794
75th Percentile $218,400
90th Percentile $257,600

Judge Salary in Other New Jersey Cities

How to Become a Judge in Newark

Education

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

Find Judge Jobs in Newark

Browse open judge positions in Newark, NJ:

Frequently Asked Questions: Judge Salary in Newark

How much does a Judge make in Newark, NJ? ▼
The median judge salary in Newark, New Jersey is $165,794 per year, which is 12.0% above the national median of $148,030. Salaries range from $64,960 (10th percentile) to $257,600 (90th percentile).
How much does a Judge make per hour in Newark? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $165,794, a judge in Newark earns approximately $80 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Newark compare to the New Jersey state average for judge pay? ▼
Newark's median judge salary of $165,794 is 2.6% below the New Jersey state average of $170,235. The local cost of living index is 112% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Newark, NJ? ▼
Newark has a cost of living index of 112% compared to the national average. This means a judge salary of $165,794 in Newark has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a judge in Newark? ▼
Most judge positions in Newark 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.