Legal Reading, PA Pop. 95,112

Judge Salary in Reading, Pennsylvania

The median judge salary in Reading, PA is $130,266 per year, which is 12% below the national median and 8.3% below the Pennsylvania state average.

City Median
$130,266
vs State Avg
$-11,843
vs National
$-17,764
Cost of Living
88%

Judge Pay in Reading: What to Expect (2026)

Reading offers a median judge salary of $130,266, which is $11,843 below the Pennsylvania state average of $142,109. Compared to the national median of $148,030, Reading pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Reading's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 88% of the national average. This means the $130,266 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $148,030 in an average-cost city. This makes Reading an attractive option for judges seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for judges in Reading spans from $51,040 at the 10th percentile to $202,400 at the 90th percentile — a $151,360 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $57,200, while senior judges with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $189,200. Reading is a smaller market (pop. 95,112), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Judge Salary in Reading by Experience

In Reading, an entry-level judge earns around $57,200, while experienced professionals earn up to $189,200 per year. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$57,200
$-7,800 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$132,000
$-18,000 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$189,200
$-25,800 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Reading, PA

Percentile Reading
10th Percentile $51,040
25th Percentile $79,200
Median (50th) $130,266
75th Percentile $171,600
90th Percentile $202,400

Judge Salary in Other Pennsylvania Cities

Philadelphia, PA
$150,991
Pop. 1,603,797
Allentown, PA
$139,148
Pop. 126,092
Pittsburgh, PA
$137,668
Pop. 302,971
Erie, PA
$124,345
Pop. 94,831

How to Become a Judge in Reading

Education

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

Find Judge Jobs in Reading

Browse open judge positions in Reading, PA:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Judge Salary in Reading

How much does a Judge make in Reading, PA? ▼
The median judge salary in Reading, Pennsylvania is $130,266 per year, which is 12% below the national median of $148,030. Salaries range from $51,040 (10th percentile) to $202,400 (90th percentile).
How much does a Judge make per hour in Reading? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $130,266, a judge in Reading earns approximately $63 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Reading compare to the Pennsylvania state average for judge pay? ▼
Reading's median judge salary of $130,266 is 8.3% below the Pennsylvania state average of $142,109. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Reading, PA? ▼
Reading has a cost of living index of 88% compared to the national average. This means a judge salary of $130,266 in Reading has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a judge in Reading? ▼
Most judge positions in Reading 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.