Legal Richmond, VA Pop. 226,610

Judge Salary in Richmond, Virginia

The median judge salary in Richmond, VA is $148,030 per year, which is 0.0% above the national median and 3.8% below the Virginia state average.

City Median
$148,030
vs State Avg
$-5,921
vs National
+$0
Cost of Living
100%

Judge Pay in Richmond: What to Expect (2026)

Richmond offers a median judge salary of $148,030, which is $5,921 below the Virginia state average of $153,951. Compared to the national median of $148,030, Richmond pays above average for this role.

Richmond'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 Richmond 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. With a population of 226,610, Richmond is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Judge Salary in Richmond by Experience

In Richmond, 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 Richmond, VA

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

Judge Salary in Other Virginia Cities

How to Become a Judge in Richmond

Education

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

Find Judge Jobs in Richmond

Browse open judge positions in Richmond, VA:

Frequently Asked Questions: Judge Salary in Richmond

How much does a Judge make in Richmond, VA? ▼
The median judge salary in Richmond, Virginia 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 Richmond? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $148,030, a judge in Richmond earns approximately $71 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Richmond compare to the Virginia state average for judge pay? ▼
Richmond's median judge salary of $148,030 is 3.8% below the Virginia state average of $153,951. The local cost of living index is 100% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Richmond, VA? ▼
Richmond has a cost of living index of 100% compared to the national average. This means a judge salary of $148,030 in Richmond has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a judge in Richmond? ▼
Most judge positions in Richmond 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.