Judges, Magistrate Judges, and Magistrates Salary in California

$74,962 $243,273
10th pct Median: $141,438 90th pct
Percentile Annual Salary
10th (Entry Level)$74,962
25th Percentile$101,835
50th (Median)$141,438
75th Percentile$195,184
90th (Top Earners)$243,273
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS, May 2024

Cost of Living Adjusted Salary

The California median salary of $141,438 for Judges, Magistrate Judges, and Magistrates has the purchasing power of approximately $94,355 in Missouri (the COL baseline state with index 100).

California's higher cost of living (COL index: 149.9) reduces the real purchasing power of wages compared to lower-cost states.

COL data: MERIC 2024 State Cost of Living Index. Missouri = 100 baseline.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much do Judges, Magistrate Judges, and Magistrates make in California?
Judges, Magistrate Judges, and Magistrates in California earn a median annual salary of $141,438 per year ($68.00/hr) according to BLS OEWS data (May 2024). This is above the national median of $113,150.
Is California a good state for Judges, Magistrate Judges, and Magistrates?
California pays above the national average for judges, magistrate judges, and magistrates, making it a competitive market for this occupation. Cost of living in California is higher average (COL index: 149.9).
What is the cost-of-living adjusted salary for Judges, Magistrate Judges, and Magistrates in California?
After adjusting for cost of living (COL index: 149.9 vs. Missouri baseline of 100), the $141,438 salary in California has the purchasing power of approximately $94,355 in Missouri. Higher living costs in California reduce real purchasing power.
How does California compare to neighboring states for Judges, Magistrate Judges, and Magistrates salaries?
For detailed comparison across all states, see the full Judges, Magistrate Judges, and Magistrates salary page at the national level, which includes a complete 50-state salary table.

Top Paying Jobs in California

# Job Title Median Annual
1 Radiologists $387,400
2 Orthopedic Surgeons, Except Pediatric $382,775
3 Neurologists $369,500
4 Surgeons, All Other $368,150
5 Ophthalmologists, Except Pediatric $339,850
6 Psychiatrists $312,248
7 Physicians, Pathologists $304,900
8 General Internal Medicine Physicians $304,175
Source: BLS OEWS May 2024

About Judges, Magistrate Judges, and Magistrates in California

Judges, Magistrate Judges, and Magistrates work in their specialized field applying expertise and skills to deliver value in their organization. This occupation is part of the legal sector of the U.S. economy.

Education Required: Doctoral or professional degree

View national Judges, Magistrate Judges, and Magistrates salary data →