Legal Memphis, TN Pop. 633,104

Judge Salary in Memphis, Tennessee

The median judge salary in Memphis, TN is $127,306 per year, which is 14% below the national median and 3.4% below the Tennessee state average.

City Median
$127,306
vs State Avg
$-4,441
vs National
$-20,724
Cost of Living
86%

Judge Pay in Memphis: What to Expect (2026)

Memphis offers a median judge salary of $127,306, which is $4,441 below the Tennessee state average of $131,747. Compared to the national median of $148,030, Memphis pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Memphis's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 86% of the national average. This means the $127,306 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $148,030 in an average-cost city. This makes Memphis an attractive option for judges seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for judges in Memphis spans from $49,880 at the 10th percentile to $197,800 at the 90th percentile — a $147,920 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $55,900, while senior judges with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $184,900. As a major metro area with a population of 633,104, Memphis typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Judge Salary in Memphis by Experience

In Memphis, an entry-level judge earns around $55,900, while experienced professionals earn up to $184,900 per year. The local cost of living index is 86% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$55,900
$-9,100 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$129,000
$-21,000 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$184,900
$-30,100 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Memphis, TN

Percentile Memphis
10th Percentile $49,880
25th Percentile $77,400
Median (50th) $127,306
75th Percentile $167,700
90th Percentile $197,800

Judge Salary in Other Tennessee Cities

Nashville, TN
$148,030
Pop. 689,447
Murfreesboro, TN
$136,188
Pop. 152,769
Knoxville, TN
$130,266
Pop. 190,740
Chattanooga, TN
$130,266
Pop. 181,099

How to Become a Judge in Memphis

Education

Most judge positions require a doctoral degree. Memphis and the surrounding Tennessee 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 Memphis may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Judge Jobs in Memphis

Browse open judge positions in Memphis, TN:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Judge Salary in Memphis

How much does a Judge make in Memphis, TN? ▼
The median judge salary in Memphis, Tennessee is $127,306 per year, which is 14% below the national median of $148,030. Salaries range from $49,880 (10th percentile) to $197,800 (90th percentile).
How much does a Judge make per hour in Memphis? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $127,306, a judge in Memphis earns approximately $61 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Memphis compare to the Tennessee state average for judge pay? ▼
Memphis's median judge salary of $127,306 is 3.4% below the Tennessee state average of $131,747. The local cost of living index is 86% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Memphis, TN? ▼
Memphis has a cost of living index of 86% compared to the national average. This means a judge salary of $127,306 in Memphis has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a judge in Memphis? ▼
Most judge positions in Memphis 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.