Legal Racine, WI Pop. 77,816

Judge Salary in Racine, Wisconsin

The median judge salary in Racine, WI is $127,306 per year, which is 14% below the national median and 6.5% below the Wisconsin state average.

City Median
$127,306
vs State Avg
$-8,882
vs National
$-20,724
Cost of Living
86%

Judge Pay in Racine: What to Expect (2026)

Racine offers a median judge salary of $127,306, which is $8,882 below the Wisconsin state average of $136,188. Compared to the national median of $148,030, Racine pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Racine's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 86% of the national average. This means the $127,306 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $148,030 in an average-cost city. This makes Racine an attractive option for judges seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for judges in Racine spans from $49,880 at the 10th percentile to $197,800 at the 90th percentile — a $147,920 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $55,900, while senior judges with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $184,900. Racine is a smaller market (pop. 77,816), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Judge Salary in Racine by Experience

In Racine, an entry-level judge earns around $55,900, while experienced professionals earn up to $184,900 per year. The local cost of living index is 86% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$55,900
$-9,100 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$129,000
$-21,000 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$184,900
$-30,100 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Racine, WI

Percentile Racine
10th Percentile $49,880
25th Percentile $77,400
Median (50th) $127,306
75th Percentile $167,700
90th Percentile $197,800

Judge Salary in Other Wisconsin Cities

How to Become a Judge in Racine

Education

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

Find Judge Jobs in Racine

Browse open judge positions in Racine, WI:

Frequently Asked Questions: Judge Salary in Racine

How much does a Judge make in Racine, WI? ▼
The median judge salary in Racine, Wisconsin is $127,306 per year, which is 14% below the national median of $148,030. Salaries range from $49,880 (10th percentile) to $197,800 (90th percentile).
How much does a Judge make per hour in Racine? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $127,306, a judge in Racine earns approximately $61 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Racine compare to the Wisconsin state average for judge pay? ▼
Racine's median judge salary of $127,306 is 6.5% below the Wisconsin state average of $136,188. The local cost of living index is 86% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Racine, WI? ▼
Racine has a cost of living index of 86% compared to the national average. This means a judge salary of $127,306 in Racine has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a judge in Racine? ▼
Most judge positions in Racine 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.