Legal Fargo, ND Pop. 125,990

Judge Salary in Fargo, North Dakota

The median judge salary in Fargo, ND is $139,148 per year, which is 6% below the national median and 4.4% above the North Dakota state average.

City Median
$139,148
vs State Avg
+$5,921
vs National
$-8,882
Cost of Living
94%

Judge Pay in Fargo: What to Expect (2026)

Fargo offers a median judge salary of $139,148, which is $5,921 above the North Dakota state average of $133,227. Compared to the national median of $148,030, Fargo pays below the national benchmark for this role.

Fargo's cost of living is 94% 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 Fargo spans from $54,520 at the 10th percentile to $216,200 at the 90th percentile — a $161,680 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $61,100, while senior judges with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $202,100. With a population of 125,990, Fargo is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Judge Salary in Fargo by Experience

In Fargo, an entry-level judge earns around $61,100, while experienced professionals earn up to $202,100 per year. The local cost of living index is 94% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$61,100
$-3,900 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$141,000
$-9,000 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$202,100
$-12,900 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Fargo, ND

Percentile Fargo
10th Percentile $54,520
25th Percentile $84,600
Median (50th) $139,148
75th Percentile $183,300
90th Percentile $216,200

Judge Salary in Other North Dakota Cities

How to Become a Judge in Fargo

Education

Most judge positions require a doctoral degree. Fargo and the surrounding North Dakota 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 Fargo may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Judge Jobs in Fargo

Browse open judge positions in Fargo, ND:

Frequently Asked Questions: Judge Salary in Fargo

How much does a Judge make in Fargo, ND? ▼
The median judge salary in Fargo, North Dakota is $139,148 per year, which is 6% below the national median of $148,030. Salaries range from $54,520 (10th percentile) to $216,200 (90th percentile).
How much does a Judge make per hour in Fargo? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $139,148, a judge in Fargo earns approximately $67 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Fargo compare to the North Dakota state average for judge pay? ▼
Fargo's median judge salary of $139,148 is 4.4% above the North Dakota state average of $133,227. The local cost of living index is 94% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Fargo, ND? ▼
Fargo has a cost of living index of 94% compared to the national average. This means a judge salary of $139,148 in Fargo has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a judge in Fargo? ▼
Most judge positions in Fargo 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.