Judge Salary in Cleveland, Ohio
The median judge salary in Cleveland, OH is $127,306 per year, which is 14% below the national median and 4.4% below the Ohio state average.
Judge Pay in Cleveland: What to Expect (2026)
Cleveland offers a median judge salary of $127,306, which is $5,921 below the Ohio state average of $133,227. Compared to the national median of $148,030, Cleveland pays below the national benchmark for this role.
One of Cleveland'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 Cleveland an attractive option for judges seeking strong real-dollar compensation.
The salary range for judges in Cleveland 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 372,624, Cleveland is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.
Judge Salary in Cleveland by Experience
In Cleveland, 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.
Salary Percentiles in Cleveland, OH
| Percentile | Cleveland |
|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $49,880 |
| 25th Percentile | $77,400 |
| Median (50th) | $127,306 |
| 75th Percentile | $167,700 |
| 90th Percentile | $197,800 |
Judge Salary in Other Ohio Cities
How to Become a Judge in Cleveland
Education
Most judge positions require a doctoral degree. Cleveland and the surrounding Ohio 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 Cleveland may vary based on local industry and population growth.
Find Judge Jobs in Cleveland
Browse open judge positions in Cleveland, OH: