Judge Salary in Sioux Falls, South Dakota
The median judge salary in Sioux Falls, SD is $136,188 per year, which is 8% below the national median and 4.5% above the South Dakota state average.
Judge Pay in Sioux Falls: What to Expect (2026)
Sioux Falls offers a median judge salary of $136,188, which is $5,922 above the South Dakota state average of $130,266. Compared to the national median of $148,030, Sioux Falls pays below the national benchmark for this role.
Sioux Falls's cost of living is 92% 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 Sioux Falls spans from $53,360 at the 10th percentile to $211,600 at the 90th percentile — a $158,240 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $59,800, while senior judges with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $197,800. With a population of 192,517, Sioux Falls is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.
Judge Salary in Sioux Falls by Experience
In Sioux Falls, an entry-level judge earns around $59,800, while experienced professionals earn up to $197,800 per year. The local cost of living index is 92% of the national average.
Salary Percentiles in Sioux Falls, SD
| Percentile | Sioux Falls |
|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $53,360 |
| 25th Percentile | $82,800 |
| Median (50th) | $136,188 |
| 75th Percentile | $179,400 |
| 90th Percentile | $211,600 |
Judge Salary in Other South Dakota Cities
How to Become a Judge in Sioux Falls
Education
Most judge positions require a doctoral degree. Sioux Falls and the surrounding South Dakota 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 Sioux Falls may vary based on local industry and population growth.
Find Judge Jobs in Sioux Falls
Browse open judge positions in Sioux Falls, SD: