Legal Utah (UT) Rank #22 of 50

Judge Salary in Utah

The median judge salary in Utah is $143,589 per year, which is 3% below the national median of $148,030.

Median Salary
$143,589
vs National
$-4,441
State Rank
#22 of 50
Cost of Living
97%

Judge Salary Overview in Utah (2026)

Utah ranks #22 out of 50 states for judge compensation. Utah falls in the middle of the pack for judge pay, offering salaries near the national average. At $143,589 per year, judges in Utah earn $4,441 less than the national median of $148,030.

Utah's cost of living is near the national average at 97%, meaning judge salaries here translate closely to their face value in purchasing power.

The salary spread in Utah is significant: judges at the 10th percentile earn $56,260, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $223,100 — a $166,840 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in Utah for this role is Salt Lake City, where the median reaches $150,991.

Nationally, judge employment is projected to grow 3% over the next decade (as fast as average). This steady growth indicates stable demand for judges across the country.

Judge Salary in Utah by Experience

In Utah, an entry-level judge earns around $63,050, while experienced professionals earn up to $208,550 per year. The cost of living index in Utah is 97% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$63,050
$-1,950 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$145,500
$-4,500 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$208,550
$-6,450 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in Utah

Percentile UT Salary
10th Percentile $56,260
25th Percentile $87,300
Median (50th) $143,589
75th Percentile $189,150
90th Percentile $223,100

Judge Salary by City in Utah

The largest employment areas for judges in Utah include Salt Lake City, West Valley City, Provo, and West Jordan. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Judge in Utah

Education

Most judge positions require a doctoral degree. Utah has several accredited institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Legal InterpretationJudicial ReasoningCourt ProceduresImpartialityLegal WritingCase Management

Job Outlook in Utah

Nationally, judge employment is projected to grow 3% over the next decade (as fast as average). Utah's demand may vary based on local industry trends.

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Frequently Asked Questions: Judge Salary in Utah

How much does a Judge make in Utah? ▼
The median judge salary in Utah is $143,589 per year, which is 3% below the national median of $148,030. Salaries range from $56,260 (10th percentile) to $223,100 (90th percentile).
How much does a Judge make per hour in Utah? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $143,589, a judge in Utah earns approximately $69 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Utah a good state for judges? ▼
Utah ranks #22 out of 50 states for judge pay. The cost of living index is 97% of the national average. Entry-level judges earn $63,050, while senior professionals earn $208,550.
How does Utah compare to other states for judge salary? ▼
The highest paying state for judges is Hawaii at $251,651. Utah's median of $143,589 ranks #22 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Minnesota ($143,589) and Nevada ($143,589).
What is the entry-level judge salary in Utah? ▼
An entry-level judge in Utah earns approximately $63,050 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $145,500. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $208,550.
What city in Utah pays judges the most? ▼
Salt Lake City is the highest paying city in Utah for judges, with a median salary of $150,991. Other cities include West Valley City and Provo.