Judge Salary in Arlington, Virginia
The median judge salary in Arlington, VA is $195,400 per year, which is 32.0% above the national median and 26.9% above the Virginia state average.
Judge Pay in Arlington: What to Expect (2026)
Arlington offers a median judge salary of $195,400, which is $41,449 above the Virginia state average of $153,951. Compared to the national median of $148,030, Arlington pays above average for this role.
However, Arlington's cost of living index is 132%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $195,400 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $148,030. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Arlington should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.
The salary range for judges in Arlington spans from $76,560 at the 10th percentile to $303,600 at the 90th percentile — a $227,040 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $85,800, while senior judges with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $283,800. With a population of 238,643, Arlington is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.
Judge Salary in Arlington by Experience
In Arlington, an entry-level judge earns around $85,800, while experienced professionals earn up to $283,800 per year. The local cost of living index is 132% of the national average.
Salary Percentiles in Arlington, VA
| Percentile | Arlington |
|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $76,560 |
| 25th Percentile | $118,800 |
| Median (50th) | $195,400 |
| 75th Percentile | $257,400 |
| 90th Percentile | $303,600 |
Judge Salary in Other Virginia Cities
How to Become a Judge in Arlington
Education
Most judge positions require a doctoral degree. Arlington and the surrounding Virginia area have institutions offering relevant programs.
Key Skills
Job Outlook
Nationally, judge employment is projected to grow 3% over the next decade (as fast as average). Demand in Arlington may vary based on local industry and population growth.
Find Judge Jobs in Arlington
Browse open judge positions in Arlington, VA: