Legal Salt Lake City, UT Pop. 200,133

Judge Salary in Salt Lake City, Utah

The median judge salary in Salt Lake City, UT is $150,991 per year, which is 2.0% above the national median and 5.2% above the Utah state average.

City Median
$150,991
vs State Avg
+$7,402
vs National
+$2,961
Cost of Living
102%

Judge Pay in Salt Lake City: What to Expect (2026)

Salt Lake City offers a median judge salary of $150,991, which is $7,402 above the Utah state average of $143,589. Compared to the national median of $148,030, Salt Lake City pays above average for this role.

Salt Lake City's cost of living is 102% 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 Salt Lake City spans from $59,160 at the 10th percentile to $234,600 at the 90th percentile — a $175,440 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $66,300, while senior judges with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $219,300. With a population of 200,133, Salt Lake City is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Judge Salary in Salt Lake City by Experience

In Salt Lake City, an entry-level judge earns around $66,300, while experienced professionals earn up to $219,300 per year. The local cost of living index is 102% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$66,300
+$1,300 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$153,000
+$3,000 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$219,300
+$4,300 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Salt Lake City, UT

Percentile Salt Lake City
10th Percentile $59,160
25th Percentile $91,800
Median (50th) $150,991
75th Percentile $198,900
90th Percentile $234,600

Judge Salary in Other Utah Cities

How to Become a Judge in Salt Lake City

Education

Most judge positions require a doctoral degree. Salt Lake City and the surrounding Utah 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 Salt Lake City may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Judge Jobs in Salt Lake City

Browse open judge positions in Salt Lake City, UT:

Frequently Asked Questions: Judge Salary in Salt Lake City

How much does a Judge make in Salt Lake City, UT? ▼
The median judge salary in Salt Lake City, Utah is $150,991 per year, which is 2.0% above the national median of $148,030. Salaries range from $59,160 (10th percentile) to $234,600 (90th percentile).
How much does a Judge make per hour in Salt Lake City? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $150,991, a judge in Salt Lake City earns approximately $73 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Salt Lake City compare to the Utah state average for judge pay? ▼
Salt Lake City's median judge salary of $150,991 is 5.2% above the Utah state average of $143,589. The local cost of living index is 102% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Salt Lake City, UT? ▼
Salt Lake City has a cost of living index of 102% compared to the national average. This means a judge salary of $150,991 in Salt Lake City has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a judge in Salt Lake City? ▼
Most judge positions in Salt Lake City 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.