Legal Dallas, TX Pop. 1,304,379

Judge Salary in Dallas, Texas

The median judge salary in Dallas, TX is $148,030 per year, which is 0.0% above the national median and 8.7% above the Texas state average.

City Median
$148,030
vs State Avg
+$11,842
vs National
+$0
Cost of Living
100%

Judge Pay in Dallas: What to Expect (2026)

Dallas offers a median judge salary of $148,030, which is $11,842 above the Texas state average of $136,188. Compared to the national median of $148,030, Dallas pays above average for this role.

Dallas's cost of living is 100% 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 Dallas spans from $58,000 at the 10th percentile to $230,000 at the 90th percentile — a $172,000 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $65,000, while senior judges with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $215,000. As a major metro area with a population of 1,304,379, Dallas typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Judge Salary in Dallas by Experience

In Dallas, an entry-level judge earns around $65,000, while experienced professionals earn up to $215,000 per year. The local cost of living index is 100% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$65,000
+$0 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$150,000
+$0 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$215,000
+$0 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Dallas, TX

Percentile Dallas
10th Percentile $58,000
25th Percentile $90,000
Median (50th) $148,030
75th Percentile $195,000
90th Percentile $230,000

Judge Salary in Other Texas Cities

How to Become a Judge in Dallas

Education

Most judge positions require a doctoral degree. Dallas 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 Dallas may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Judge Jobs in Dallas

Browse open judge positions in Dallas, TX:

Frequently Asked Questions: Judge Salary in Dallas

How much does a Judge make in Dallas, TX? ▼
The median judge salary in Dallas, Texas is $148,030 per year, which is 0.0% above the national median of $148,030. Salaries range from $58,000 (10th percentile) to $230,000 (90th percentile).
How much does a Judge make per hour in Dallas? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $148,030, a judge in Dallas earns approximately $71 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Dallas compare to the Texas state average for judge pay? ▼
Dallas's median judge salary of $148,030 is 8.7% above the Texas state average of $136,188. The local cost of living index is 100% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Dallas, TX? ▼
Dallas has a cost of living index of 100% compared to the national average. This means a judge salary of $148,030 in Dallas has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a judge in Dallas? ▼
Most judge positions in Dallas 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.