Legal Chesapeake, VA Pop. 249,422

Judge Salary in Chesapeake, Virginia

The median judge salary in Chesapeake, VA is $145,069 per year, which is 2% below the national median and 5.8% below the Virginia state average.

City Median
$145,069
vs State Avg
$-8,882
vs National
$-2,961
Cost of Living
98%

Judge Pay in Chesapeake: What to Expect (2026)

Chesapeake offers a median judge salary of $145,069, which is $8,882 below the Virginia state average of $153,951. Compared to the national median of $148,030, Chesapeake pays below the national benchmark for this role.

Chesapeake's cost of living is 98% 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 Chesapeake spans from $56,840 at the 10th percentile to $225,400 at the 90th percentile — a $168,560 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $63,700, while senior judges with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $210,700. With a population of 249,422, Chesapeake is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Judge Salary in Chesapeake by Experience

In Chesapeake, an entry-level judge earns around $63,700, while experienced professionals earn up to $210,700 per year. The local cost of living index is 98% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$63,700
$-1,300 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$147,000
$-3,000 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$210,700
$-4,300 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Chesapeake, VA

Percentile Chesapeake
10th Percentile $56,840
25th Percentile $88,200
Median (50th) $145,069
75th Percentile $191,100
90th Percentile $225,400

Judge Salary in Other Virginia Cities

How to Become a Judge in Chesapeake

Education

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

Find Judge Jobs in Chesapeake

Browse open judge positions in Chesapeake, VA:

Frequently Asked Questions: Judge Salary in Chesapeake

How much does a Judge make in Chesapeake, VA? ▼
The median judge salary in Chesapeake, Virginia is $145,069 per year, which is 2% below the national median of $148,030. Salaries range from $56,840 (10th percentile) to $225,400 (90th percentile).
How much does a Judge make per hour in Chesapeake? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $145,069, a judge in Chesapeake earns approximately $70 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Chesapeake compare to the Virginia state average for judge pay? ▼
Chesapeake's median judge salary of $145,069 is 5.8% below the Virginia state average of $153,951. The local cost of living index is 98% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Chesapeake, VA? ▼
Chesapeake has a cost of living index of 98% compared to the national average. This means a judge salary of $145,069 in Chesapeake has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a judge in Chesapeake? ▼
Most judge positions in Chesapeake 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.