Legal Oklahoma (OK) Rank #47 of 50

Judge Salary in Oklahoma

The median judge salary in Oklahoma is $127,306 per year, which is 14% below the national median of $148,030.

Median Salary
$127,306
vs National
$-20,724
State Rank
#47 of 50
Cost of Living
86%

Judge Salary Overview in Oklahoma (2026)

Oklahoma ranks #47 out of 50 states for judge compensation. Judge salaries in Oklahoma are below the national median, though the lower cost of living can offset the difference. At $127,306 per year, judges in Oklahoma earn $20,724 less than the national median of $148,030.

A key advantage of working in Oklahoma is its below-average cost of living (86% of the national index). This means the $127,306 salary has the purchasing power of roughly $148,030 in an average-cost area.

The salary spread in Oklahoma is significant: judges at the 10th percentile earn $49,880, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $197,800 — a $147,920 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in Oklahoma for this role is Edmond, where the median reaches $136,188.

Nationally, judge employment is projected to grow 3% over the next decade (as fast as average). This steady growth indicates stable demand for judges across the country.

Judge Salary in Oklahoma by Experience

In Oklahoma, an entry-level judge earns around $55,900, while experienced professionals earn up to $184,900 per year. The cost of living index in Oklahoma 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

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Salary Percentiles in Oklahoma

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

Judge Salary by City in Oklahoma

The largest employment areas for judges in Oklahoma include Oklahoma City, Tulsa, Norman, and Broken Arrow. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Judge in Oklahoma

Education

Most judge positions require a doctoral degree. Oklahoma has several accredited institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Legal InterpretationJudicial ReasoningCourt ProceduresImpartialityLegal WritingCase Management

Job Outlook in Oklahoma

Nationally, judge employment is projected to grow 3% over the next decade (as fast as average). Oklahoma's demand may vary based on local industry trends.

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Frequently Asked Questions: Judge Salary in Oklahoma

How much does a Judge make in Oklahoma? ▼
The median judge salary in Oklahoma 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 Oklahoma? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $127,306, a judge in Oklahoma earns approximately $61 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Oklahoma a good state for judges? ▼
Oklahoma ranks #47 out of 50 states for judge pay. The cost of living index is 86% of the national average. Entry-level judges earn $55,900, while senior professionals earn $184,900.
How does Oklahoma compare to other states for judge salary? ▼
The highest paying state for judges is Hawaii at $251,651. Oklahoma's median of $127,306 ranks #47 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Kansas ($128,786) and Kentucky ($128,786).
What is the entry-level judge salary in Oklahoma? ▼
An entry-level judge in Oklahoma earns approximately $55,900 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $129,000. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $184,900.
What city in Oklahoma pays judges the most? ▼
Edmond is the highest paying city in Oklahoma for judges, with a median salary of $136,188. Other cities include Oklahoma City and Tulsa.