Judge Salary in Tacoma, Washington
The median judge salary in Tacoma, WA is $162,833 per year, which is 10.0% above the national median and 4.3% below the Washington state average.
Judge Pay in Tacoma: What to Expect (2026)
Tacoma offers a median judge salary of $162,833, which is $7,402 below the Washington state average of $170,235. Compared to the national median of $148,030, Tacoma pays above average for this role.
Tacoma's cost of living is 110% 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 Tacoma spans from $63,800 at the 10th percentile to $253,000 at the 90th percentile — a $189,200 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $71,500, while senior judges with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $236,500. With a population of 219,346, Tacoma is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.
Judge Salary in Tacoma by Experience
In Tacoma, an entry-level judge earns around $71,500, while experienced professionals earn up to $236,500 per year. The local cost of living index is 110% of the national average.
Salary Percentiles in Tacoma, WA
| Percentile | Tacoma |
|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $63,800 |
| 25th Percentile | $99,000 |
| Median (50th) | $162,833 |
| 75th Percentile | $214,500 |
| 90th Percentile | $253,000 |
Judge Salary in Other Washington Cities
How to Become a Judge in Tacoma
Education
Most judge positions require a doctoral degree. Tacoma and the surrounding Washington 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 Tacoma may vary based on local industry and population growth.
Find Judge Jobs in Tacoma
Browse open judge positions in Tacoma, WA: