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Judge Salary in Durham, NC

How much does a judge make in Durham? Explore median, entry-level, and senior salaries adjusted for Durham's cost of living.

Median Salary
$97,683
per year in Durham
Entry Level
$58,144
Starting salary
Senior Level
$162,804
Experienced professionals
Cost of Living
112
12% above national avg

Salary Breakdown by Experience Level

See how judge salaries break down across different pay periods in Durham.

PeriodEntry LevelMedianSenior
Annual$58,144$97,683$162,804
Monthly$4,845$8,140$13,567
Biweekly$2,236$3,757$6,262
Weekly$1,118$1,879$3,131
Hourly$28$47$78

Durham vs National Average

How Durham's judge salaries compare to national figures.

Durham Salary
$97,683
COL Index: 112
National Average
$99,110
COL Index: 100
Difference
-$1,427
Lower in Durham

Cost of Living in Durham

1-Bedroom Rent
$1,650
per month
Median Income
$62,345
per year
Population
278,884
residents
Rent % of Income
31.8%
median household
Cost of Living Index: 112 — A score of 100 represents the U.S. average. Salaries in Durham have been adjusted to account for local cost differences.

About Judge

Overview

Preside over court proceedings and make legal decisions.

Education

Juris Doctor (JD); appointment or election required

Key Skills

Legal KnowledgeJudicial TemperamentDecision MakingImpartiality

Growth Rate

Expected job growth: +12% over the next decade

Compare Cities: Judge Salary

See Judge salaries in other top cities.

New York, NY
$196,190
+101%
Los Angeles, CA
$210,589
+116%
Chicago, IL
$141,740
+45%
Houston, TX
$166,120
+70%
Phoenix, AZ
$98,862
+1%

Financial Tools to Explore

Use these Pulsafi calculators to understand your finances based on a judge salary in Durham.

Salary Breakdown Calculator

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Cost of Living Calculator

Understand your expenses and purchasing power in Durham.

Budget Calculator

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Rent vs Buy Calculator

Compare the true costs of renting versus buying in Durham.

Judge Salary in Durham, NC — Complete Guide

Median Salary Overview

The median salary for a judge in Durham, NC is $97,683 per year, adjusted for the local cost of living index of 112. This figure reflects typical earnings for experienced professionals in this role, considering Durham's unique economic conditions.

Salary Range and Experience Levels

Entry-level judge professionals in Durham can expect to earn around $58,144 annually. As professionals gain experience, salaries typically increase, with senior-level judges earning approximately $162,804 per year. This represents a 180% increase from entry to senior level.

Cost of Living Adjustment

Durham's cost of living index of 112 significantly impacts salary comparisons. As a higher cost-of-living city, salaries in Durham are adjusted accordingly. This means that while the nominal salary may appear higher or lower than the national average of $99,110, the actual purchasing power must be considered in context.

Housing and Affordability

A significant portion of a judge's salary in Durham typically goes toward housing. With a 1-bedroom apartment averaging $1,650 per month, housing represents about 20.3% of median salary. Financial experts generally recommend keeping housing expenses below 30% of gross income.

Career Growth and Opportunities

Judges are in growing demand across the United States, with an expected job growth of 12% over the next decade. In Durham, this translates to increasing opportunities and potential for salary growth as demand for experienced professionals continues to rise.

Data source: Salary estimates on this page are based on Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) program, adjusted for regional cost of living differences. Figures are approximate and intended for informational purposes only. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, education, certifications, and local market conditions. This page does not constitute financial or career advice. For the most current wage data, visit bls.gov.