Legal Austin, TX Pop. 978,908

Judge Salary in Austin, Texas

The median judge salary in Austin, TX is $155,432 per year, which is 5.0% above the national median and 14.1% above the Texas state average.

City Median
$155,432
vs State Avg
+$19,244
vs National
+$7,402
Cost of Living
105%

Judge Pay in Austin: What to Expect (2026)

Austin offers a median judge salary of $155,432, which is $19,244 above the Texas state average of $136,188. Compared to the national median of $148,030, Austin pays above average for this role.

Austin's cost of living is 105% 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 Austin spans from $60,900 at the 10th percentile to $241,500 at the 90th percentile — a $180,600 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $68,250, while senior judges with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $225,750. As a major metro area with a population of 978,908, Austin typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Judge Salary in Austin by Experience

In Austin, an entry-level judge earns around $68,250, while experienced professionals earn up to $225,750 per year. The local cost of living index is 105% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$68,250
+$3,250 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$157,500
+$7,500 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$225,750
+$10,750 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Austin, TX

Percentile Austin
10th Percentile $60,900
25th Percentile $94,500
Median (50th) $155,432
75th Percentile $204,750
90th Percentile $241,500

Judge Salary in Other Texas Cities

How to Become a Judge in Austin

Education

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

Find Judge Jobs in Austin

Browse open judge positions in Austin, TX:

Frequently Asked Questions: Judge Salary in Austin

How much does a Judge make in Austin, TX? ▼
The median judge salary in Austin, Texas is $155,432 per year, which is 5.0% above the national median of $148,030. Salaries range from $60,900 (10th percentile) to $241,500 (90th percentile).
How much does a Judge make per hour in Austin? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $155,432, a judge in Austin earns approximately $75 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Austin compare to the Texas state average for judge pay? ▼
Austin's median judge salary of $155,432 is 14.1% above the Texas state average of $136,188. The local cost of living index is 105% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Austin, TX? ▼
Austin has a cost of living index of 105% compared to the national average. This means a judge salary of $155,432 in Austin has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a judge in Austin? ▼
Most judge positions in Austin 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.