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.
Judge Pay in Columbia: What to Expect (2026)
Columbia offers a median judge salary of $133,227, which is $1,480 above the South Carolina state average of $131,747. Compared to the national median of $148,030, Columbia pays below the national benchmark for this role.
Columbia's cost of living is 90% 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 Columbia spans from $52,200 at the 10th percentile to $207,000 at the 90th percentile — a $154,800 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $58,500, while senior judges with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $193,500. With a population of 131,674, Columbia is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.
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.
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
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.
Find Judge Jobs in Columbia
Browse open judge positions in Columbia, SC: