Legal Winston-Salem, NC Pop. 249,545

Judge Salary in Winston-Salem, North Carolina

The median judge salary in Winston-Salem, NC is $127,306 per year, which is 14% below the national median and 6.5% below the North Carolina state average.

City Median
$127,306
vs State Avg
$-8,882
vs National
$-20,724
Cost of Living
86%

Judge Pay in Winston-Salem: What to Expect (2026)

Winston-Salem offers a median judge salary of $127,306, which is $8,882 below the North Carolina state average of $136,188. Compared to the national median of $148,030, Winston-Salem pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Winston-Salem's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 86% of the national average. This means the $127,306 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $148,030 in an average-cost city. This makes Winston-Salem an attractive option for judges seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for judges in Winston-Salem spans from $49,880 at the 10th percentile to $197,800 at the 90th percentile — a $147,920 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $55,900, while senior judges with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $184,900. With a population of 249,545, Winston-Salem is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Judge Salary in Winston-Salem by Experience

In Winston-Salem, an entry-level judge earns around $55,900, while experienced professionals earn up to $184,900 per year. The local cost of living index is 86% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$55,900
$-9,100 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$129,000
$-21,000 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$184,900
$-30,100 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Winston-Salem, NC

Percentile Winston-Salem
10th Percentile $49,880
25th Percentile $77,400
Median (50th) $127,306
75th Percentile $167,700
90th Percentile $197,800

Judge Salary in Other North Carolina Cities

Charlotte, NC
$145,069
Pop. 874,579
Raleigh, NC
$145,069
Pop. 467,665
Durham, NC
$140,629
Pop. 283,506
Greensboro, NC
$130,266
Pop. 299,035

How to Become a Judge in Winston-Salem

Education

Most judge positions require a doctoral degree. Winston-Salem and the surrounding North Carolina 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 Winston-Salem may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Judge Jobs in Winston-Salem

Browse open judge positions in Winston-Salem, NC:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Judge Salary in Winston-Salem

How much does a Judge make in Winston-Salem, NC? ▼
The median judge salary in Winston-Salem, North Carolina is $127,306 per year, which is 14% below the national median of $148,030. Salaries range from $49,880 (10th percentile) to $197,800 (90th percentile).
How much does a Judge make per hour in Winston-Salem? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $127,306, a judge in Winston-Salem earns approximately $61 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Winston-Salem compare to the North Carolina state average for judge pay? ▼
Winston-Salem's median judge salary of $127,306 is 6.5% below the North Carolina state average of $136,188. The local cost of living index is 86% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Winston-Salem, NC? ▼
Winston-Salem has a cost of living index of 86% compared to the national average. This means a judge salary of $127,306 in Winston-Salem has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a judge in Winston-Salem? ▼
Most judge positions in Winston-Salem 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.