Legal Washington (WA) Rank #7 of 50

Judge Salary in Washington

The median judge salary in Washington is $170,235 per year, which is 15.0% above the national median of $148,030.

Median Salary
$170,235
vs National
+$22,205
State Rank
#7 of 50
Cost of Living
115%

Judge Salary in Washington by Experience

In Washington, an entry-level judge earns around $74,750, while experienced professionals earn up to $247,250 per year. The cost of living index in Washington is 115% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$74,750
+$9,750 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$172,500
+$22,500 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$247,250
+$32,250 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Washington

Percentile WA Salary
10th Percentile $66,700
25th Percentile $103,500
Median (50th) $170,235
75th Percentile $224,250
90th Percentile $264,500

Judge Salary by City in Washington

The largest employment areas for judges in Washington include Seattle, Spokane, Tacoma, and Bellevue. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Judge in Washington

Education

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

Key Skills

Legal InterpretationJudicial ReasoningCourt ProceduresImpartialityLegal WritingCase Management

Job Outlook in Washington

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