Legal Rochester, NY Pop. 211,328

Judge Salary in Rochester, New York

The median judge salary in Rochester, NY is $133,227 per year, which is 10% below the national median and 26.2% below the New York state average.

City Median
$133,227
vs State Avg
$-47,370
vs National
$-14,803
Cost of Living
90%

Judge Pay in Rochester: What to Expect (2026)

Rochester offers a median judge salary of $133,227, which is $47,370 below the New York state average of $180,597. Compared to the national median of $148,030, Rochester pays below the national benchmark for this role.

Rochester's cost of living is 90% 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 Rochester spans from $52,200 at the 10th percentile to $207,000 at the 90th percentile — a $154,800 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $58,500, while senior judges with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $193,500. With a population of 211,328, Rochester is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Judge Salary in Rochester by Experience

In Rochester, an entry-level judge earns around $58,500, while experienced professionals earn up to $193,500 per year. The local cost of living index 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

Salary Percentiles in Rochester, NY

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

Judge Salary in Other New York Cities

How to Become a Judge in Rochester

Education

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

Find Judge Jobs in Rochester

Browse open judge positions in Rochester, NY:

Frequently Asked Questions: Judge Salary in Rochester

How much does a Judge make in Rochester, NY? ▼
The median judge salary in Rochester, New York 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 Rochester? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $133,227, a judge in Rochester earns approximately $64 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Rochester compare to the New York state average for judge pay? ▼
Rochester's median judge salary of $133,227 is 26.2% below the New York state average of $180,597. The local cost of living index is 90% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Rochester, NY? ▼
Rochester has a cost of living index of 90% compared to the national average. This means a judge salary of $133,227 in Rochester has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a judge in Rochester? ▼
Most judge positions in Rochester 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.