Legal Erie, PA Pop. 94,831

Judge Salary in Erie, Pennsylvania

The median judge salary in Erie, PA is $124,345 per year, which is 16% below the national median and 12.5% below the Pennsylvania state average.

City Median
$124,345
vs State Avg
$-17,764
vs National
$-23,685
Cost of Living
84%

Judge Pay in Erie: What to Expect (2026)

Erie offers a median judge salary of $124,345, which is $17,764 below the Pennsylvania state average of $142,109. Compared to the national median of $148,030, Erie pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Erie's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 84% of the national average. This means the $124,345 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $148,030 in an average-cost city. This makes Erie an attractive option for judges seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for judges in Erie spans from $48,720 at the 10th percentile to $193,200 at the 90th percentile — a $144,480 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $54,600, while senior judges with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $180,600. Erie is a smaller market (pop. 94,831), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Judge Salary in Erie by Experience

In Erie, an entry-level judge earns around $54,600, while experienced professionals earn up to $180,600 per year. The local cost of living index is 84% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$54,600
$-10,400 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$126,000
$-24,000 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$180,600
$-34,400 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Erie, PA

Percentile Erie
10th Percentile $48,720
25th Percentile $75,600
Median (50th) $124,345
75th Percentile $163,800
90th Percentile $193,200

Judge Salary in Other Pennsylvania Cities

How to Become a Judge in Erie

Education

Most judge positions require a doctoral degree. Erie and the surrounding Pennsylvania 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 Erie may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Judge Jobs in Erie

Browse open judge positions in Erie, PA:

Frequently Asked Questions: Judge Salary in Erie

How much does a Judge make in Erie, PA? ▼
The median judge salary in Erie, Pennsylvania is $124,345 per year, which is 16% below the national median of $148,030. Salaries range from $48,720 (10th percentile) to $193,200 (90th percentile).
How much does a Judge make per hour in Erie? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $124,345, a judge in Erie earns approximately $60 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Erie compare to the Pennsylvania state average for judge pay? ▼
Erie's median judge salary of $124,345 is 12.5% below the Pennsylvania state average of $142,109. The local cost of living index is 84% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Erie, PA? ▼
Erie has a cost of living index of 84% compared to the national average. This means a judge salary of $124,345 in Erie has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a judge in Erie? ▼
Most judge positions in Erie 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.