Legal Philadelphia, PA Pop. 1,603,797

Judge Salary in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

The median judge salary in Philadelphia, PA is $150,991 per year, which is 2.0% above the national median and 6.3% above the Pennsylvania state average.

City Median
$150,991
vs State Avg
+$8,882
vs National
+$2,961
Cost of Living
102%

Judge Pay in Philadelphia: What to Expect (2026)

Philadelphia offers a median judge salary of $150,991, which is $8,882 above the Pennsylvania state average of $142,109. Compared to the national median of $148,030, Philadelphia pays above average for this role.

Philadelphia's cost of living is 102% 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 Philadelphia spans from $59,160 at the 10th percentile to $234,600 at the 90th percentile — a $175,440 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $66,300, while senior judges with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $219,300. As a major metro area with a population of 1,603,797, Philadelphia typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Judge Salary in Philadelphia by Experience

In Philadelphia, an entry-level judge earns around $66,300, while experienced professionals earn up to $219,300 per year. The local cost of living index is 102% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$66,300
+$1,300 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$153,000
+$3,000 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$219,300
+$4,300 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Philadelphia, PA

Percentile Philadelphia
10th Percentile $59,160
25th Percentile $91,800
Median (50th) $150,991
75th Percentile $198,900
90th Percentile $234,600

Judge Salary in Other Pennsylvania Cities

Allentown, PA
$139,148
Pop. 126,092
Pittsburgh, PA
$137,668
Pop. 302,971
Reading, PA
$130,266
Pop. 95,112
Erie, PA
$124,345
Pop. 94,831

How to Become a Judge in Philadelphia

Education

Most judge positions require a doctoral degree. Philadelphia 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 Philadelphia may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Judge Jobs in Philadelphia

Browse open judge positions in Philadelphia, PA:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Judge Salary in Philadelphia

How much does a Judge make in Philadelphia, PA? ▼
The median judge salary in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania is $150,991 per year, which is 2.0% above the national median of $148,030. Salaries range from $59,160 (10th percentile) to $234,600 (90th percentile).
How much does a Judge make per hour in Philadelphia? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $150,991, a judge in Philadelphia earns approximately $73 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Philadelphia compare to the Pennsylvania state average for judge pay? ▼
Philadelphia's median judge salary of $150,991 is 6.3% above the Pennsylvania state average of $142,109. The local cost of living index is 102% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Philadelphia, PA? ▼
Philadelphia has a cost of living index of 102% compared to the national average. This means a judge salary of $150,991 in Philadelphia has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a judge in Philadelphia? ▼
Most judge positions in Philadelphia 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.