Legal North Carolina (NC) Rank #29 of 50

Judge Salary in North Carolina

The median judge salary in North Carolina is $136,188 per year, which is 8% below the national median of $148,030.

Median Salary
$136,188
vs National
$-11,842
State Rank
#29 of 50
Cost of Living
92%

Judge Salary in North Carolina by Experience

In North Carolina, an entry-level judge earns around $59,800, while experienced professionals earn up to $197,800 per year. The cost of living index in North Carolina is 92% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$59,800
$-5,200 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$138,000
$-12,000 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$197,800
$-17,200 vs national

Salary Percentiles in North Carolina

Percentile NC Salary
10th Percentile $53,360
25th Percentile $82,800
Median (50th) $136,188
75th Percentile $179,400
90th Percentile $211,600

Judge Salary by City in North Carolina

The largest employment areas for judges in North Carolina include Charlotte, Raleigh, Durham, and Greensboro. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Judge in North Carolina

Education

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

Key Skills

Legal InterpretationJudicial ReasoningCourt ProceduresImpartialityLegal WritingCase Management

Job Outlook in North Carolina

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