Legal Columbia, SC
Pop. 131,674
Judge Salary in Columbia, South Carolina
The median judge salary in Columbia, SC is $133,227 per year, which is 10% below the national median and 1.1% above the South Carolina state average.
City Median
$133,227
vs State Avg
+$1,480
vs National
$-14,803
Cost of Living
90%
Judge Salary in Columbia by Experience
In Columbia, an entry-level judge earns around $58,500, while experienced professionals earn up to $193,500 per year. The local cost of living index is 90% of the national average.
Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$58,500
$-6,500 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$135,000
$-15,000 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$193,500
$-21,500 vs national
Salary Percentiles in Columbia, SC
| Percentile | Columbia |
|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $52,200 |
| 25th Percentile | $81,000 |
| Median (50th) | $133,227 |
| 75th Percentile | $175,500 |
| 90th Percentile | $207,000 |
Judge Salary in Other South Carolina Cities
How to Become a Judge in Columbia
Education
Most judge positions require a doctoral degree. Columbia and the surrounding South Carolina 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 Columbia may vary based on local industry and population growth.