Judge Salary in Bismarck, North Dakota
The median judge salary in Bismarck, ND is $133,227 per year, which is 10% below the national median and 0.0% above the North Dakota state average.
Judge Pay in Bismarck: What to Expect (2026)
Bismarck offers a median judge salary of $133,227, which is $0 above the North Dakota state average of $133,227. Compared to the national median of $148,030, Bismarck pays below the national benchmark for this role.
Bismarck'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 Bismarck 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. Bismarck is a smaller market (pop. 73,529), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.
Judge Salary in Bismarck by Experience
In Bismarck, 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.
Salary Percentiles in Bismarck, ND
| Percentile | Bismarck |
|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $52,200 |
| 25th Percentile | $81,000 |
| Median (50th) | $133,227 |
| 75th Percentile | $175,500 |
| 90th Percentile | $207,000 |
Judge Salary in Other North Dakota Cities
How to Become a Judge in Bismarck
Education
Most judge positions require a doctoral degree. Bismarck and the surrounding North Dakota 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 Bismarck may vary based on local industry and population growth.
Find Judge Jobs in Bismarck
Browse open judge positions in Bismarck, ND: