Legal Parkersburg, WV Pop. 29,675

Judge Salary in Parkersburg, West Virginia

The median judge salary in Parkersburg, WV is $118,424 per year, which is 20% below the national median and 4.8% below the West Virginia state average.

City Median
$118,424
vs State Avg
$-5,921
vs National
$-29,606
Cost of Living
80%

Judge Pay in Parkersburg: What to Expect (2026)

Parkersburg offers a median judge salary of $118,424, which is $5,921 below the West Virginia state average of $124,345. Compared to the national median of $148,030, Parkersburg pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Parkersburg's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 80% of the national average. This means the $118,424 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $148,030 in an average-cost city. This makes Parkersburg an attractive option for judges seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for judges in Parkersburg spans from $46,400 at the 10th percentile to $184,000 at the 90th percentile — a $137,600 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $52,000, while senior judges with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $172,000. Parkersburg is a smaller market (pop. 29,675), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Judge Salary in Parkersburg by Experience

In Parkersburg, an entry-level judge earns around $52,000, while experienced professionals earn up to $172,000 per year. The local cost of living index is 80% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$52,000
$-13,000 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$120,000
$-30,000 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$172,000
$-43,000 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Parkersburg, WV

Percentile Parkersburg
10th Percentile $46,400
25th Percentile $72,000
Median (50th) $118,424
75th Percentile $156,000
90th Percentile $184,000

Judge Salary in Other West Virginia Cities

How to Become a Judge in Parkersburg

Education

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

Find Judge Jobs in Parkersburg

Browse open judge positions in Parkersburg, WV:

Frequently Asked Questions: Judge Salary in Parkersburg

How much does a Judge make in Parkersburg, WV? ▼
The median judge salary in Parkersburg, West Virginia is $118,424 per year, which is 20% below the national median of $148,030. Salaries range from $46,400 (10th percentile) to $184,000 (90th percentile).
How much does a Judge make per hour in Parkersburg? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $118,424, a judge in Parkersburg earns approximately $57 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Parkersburg compare to the West Virginia state average for judge pay? ▼
Parkersburg's median judge salary of $118,424 is 4.8% below the West Virginia state average of $124,345. The local cost of living index is 80% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Parkersburg, WV? ▼
Parkersburg has a cost of living index of 80% compared to the national average. This means a judge salary of $118,424 in Parkersburg has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a judge in Parkersburg? ▼
Most judge positions in Parkersburg 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.