Average Judges, Magistrate Judges, and Magistrates Salary in Washington
Judges, Magistrate Judges, and Magistrates in Washington earn an impressive average annual salary of $154,360, significantly surpassing the national average of $143,110. This elevated compensation is often a reflection of the state's robust legal framework, the complexity of cases handled, and the specialized expertise required for judicial roles within Washington.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $154,360 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 16.0% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $228,330.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of 1,050 individuals in this profession and a Location Quotient of 1.79, Washington demonstrates a notably higher concentration of these roles compared to the national average. This suggests a strong and potentially growing demand for judicial professionals within the state, indicating a healthy job market for those in this specialized field.
Salary Overview
The average Judges, Magistrate Judges, and Magistrates in Washington earns+7.9%above the national average.
$74.2
$2,968
$12,863
Judges, Magistrate Judges, and Magistrates Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is generally assumed that salaries for Judges, Magistrate Judges, and Magistrates in Washington have experienced steady growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. This upward trajectory is likely driven by increasing caseloads, evolving legal landscapes, and the ongoing need for experienced legal professionals.
Judges, Magistrate Judges, and Magistrates Salary Distribution in Washington
Salary progression for Judges, Magistrate Judges, and Magistrates is typically tied to experience and seniority. Entry-level positions will naturally command lower salaries, while seasoned professionals with extensive legal backgrounds and established reputations can expect to earn significantly more. The widening salary gap between junior and senior roles often signifies clear career advancement opportunities within the judicial system.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Legal AssistantResearch, drafting documents, case support. | 10% (Entry) | $105,820 | $50.9 |
| AssociateHandling depositions, smaller cases independently. | 25% (Junior) | $115,770 | $55.7 |
| Senior AssociateLead on cases, client management, trial experience. | 50% (Median) | $131,740 | $63.3 |
| Counsel / PartnerBusiness development, specialized high-stakes cases. | 75% (Senior) | $192,950 | $92.8 |
| Managing PartnerFirm leadership. Executive strategy. | 90% (Expert) | $228,330 | $109.8 |
Detailed Judges, Magistrate Judges, and Magistrates Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$154,360
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$134,109
Adjusted for COL (115.1)
The average annual salary of $154,360 in Washington presents a strong financial standing when considered against the local Cost of Living Index of 115.1. While the cost of living is approximately 15.1% higher than the national average, the substantial salary likely provides a comfortable lifestyle and good purchasing power for judicial professionals in the state.
Job Market Context
1,050
Total Jobs
0.297
Per 1K Jobs
1.79
Location Quotient
Washington has 1.8x the national concentration of Judges, Magistrate Judges, and Magistrates jobs — a major employment hub for this role. Job seekers will find significantly more opportunities here than in most other areas.
Washington's Location Quotient of 1.79 indicates that the concentration of Judges, Magistrate Judges, and Magistrates is 79% higher than the national average. This suggests a more robust and specialized market for these professionals in Washington, implying greater opportunities and potentially higher demand relative to other regions.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Judges, Magistrate Judges, and Magistrates
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA Judges, Magistrate Judges, and Magistrates Salary | $152,350↓ 1% | 42 mi |
| Olympia-Lacey-Tumwater, WA Judges, Magistrate Judges, and Magistrates Salary | $157,970↑ 2% | 70 mi |
Comparing salaries near Washington
Hiring Judges, Magistrate Judges, and Magistratess?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Judges, Magistrate Judges, and Magistrates make in Washington?
The median annual salary for a Judges, Magistrate Judges, and Magistrates in Washington is $154,360. This typically ranges from $105,820 for entry-level positions to $228,330 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Washington is 7.9% higher than the national median of $143,110.
Is Washington a lucrative place for Judges, Magistrate Judges, and Magistrates?
Yes, Washington is a lucrative place for Judges, Magistrate Judges, and Magistrates.The average salary of $154,360 is well above the national average, and despite a higher cost of living, the compensation remains highly competitive.
Is Washington a good place to live for Judges, Magistrate Judges, and Magistrates?
The Cost of Living Index in Washington is 115.1. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Washington?
Some top paying nearby cities include Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA ($152,350) and Olympia-Lacey-Tumwater, WA.
How does Washington's judge salary compare to the national average?
Judges, Magistrate Judges, and Magistrates in Washington earn an average of $154,360 annually, which is $11,250 more than the national average of $143,110.
What is the concentration of judges in Washington compared to the rest of the US?
Washington has a Location Quotient of 1.79 for this profession, meaning the concentration of these roles is 79% higher than the national average, indicating a stronger presence in the state.
How does the cost of living affect the judge's salary in Washington?
With a Cost of Living Index of 115.1, Washington is more expensive than the national average. However, the higher average salary of $154,360 helps to offset these increased living costs.
What does the number of jobs per 1,000 workers suggest about the market?
With 0.297 jobs per 1,000 workers, this indicates a specialized field with a dedicated number of positions available within the broader workforce in Washington.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 1,050 employees in the Washington area with a job density of 0.297 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Judges, Magistrate Judges, and Magistrates • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Washington