Judge Salary in Raleigh, North Carolina
The median judge salary in Raleigh, NC is $145,069 per year, which is 2% below the national median and 6.5% above the North Carolina state average.
Judge Pay in Raleigh: What to Expect (2026)
Raleigh offers a median judge salary of $145,069, which is $8,881 above the North Carolina state average of $136,188. Compared to the national median of $148,030, Raleigh pays below the national benchmark for this role.
Raleigh's cost of living is 98% 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 Raleigh spans from $56,840 at the 10th percentile to $225,400 at the 90th percentile — a $168,560 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $63,700, while senior judges with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $210,700. With a population of 467,665, Raleigh is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.
Judge Salary in Raleigh by Experience
In Raleigh, an entry-level judge earns around $63,700, while experienced professionals earn up to $210,700 per year. The local cost of living index is 98% of the national average.
Salary Percentiles in Raleigh, NC
| Percentile | Raleigh |
|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $56,840 |
| 25th Percentile | $88,200 |
| Median (50th) | $145,069 |
| 75th Percentile | $191,100 |
| 90th Percentile | $225,400 |
Judge Salary in Other North Carolina Cities
How to Become a Judge in Raleigh
Education
Most judge positions require a doctoral degree. Raleigh and the surrounding North Carolina area have institutions offering relevant programs.
Key Skills
Job Outlook
Nationally, judge employment is projected to grow 3% over the next decade (as fast as average). Demand in Raleigh may vary based on local industry and population growth.
Find Judge Jobs in Raleigh
Browse open judge positions in Raleigh, NC: