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Judge Salary in Sacramento, CA

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

Median Salary
$178,874
per year in Sacramento
Entry Level
$106,472
Starting salary
Senior Level
$298,122
Experienced professionals
Cost of Living
141
41% above national avg

Salary Breakdown by Experience Level

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

PeriodEntry LevelMedianSenior
Annual$106,472$178,874$298,122
Monthly$8,873$14,906$24,844
Biweekly$4,095$6,880$11,466
Weekly$2,048$3,440$5,733
Hourly$51$86$143

Sacramento vs National Average

How Sacramento's judge salaries compare to national figures.

Sacramento Salary
$178,874
COL Index: 141
National Average
$99,110
COL Index: 100
Difference
+$79,764
Higher in Sacramento

Cost of Living in Sacramento

1-Bedroom Rent
$1,950
per month
Median Income
$63,456
per year
Population
525,453
residents
Rent % of Income
36.9%
median household
Cost of Living Index: 141 — A score of 100 represents the U.S. average. Salaries in Sacramento 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
+10%
Los Angeles, CA
$210,589
+18%
Chicago, IL
$141,740
-21%
Houston, TX
$166,120
-7%
Phoenix, AZ
$98,862
-45%

Financial Tools to Explore

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

Salary Breakdown Calculator

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Cost of Living Calculator

Understand your expenses and purchasing power in Sacramento.

Budget Calculator

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Rent vs Buy Calculator

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Judge Salary in Sacramento, CA — Complete Guide

Median Salary Overview

The median salary for a judge in Sacramento, CA is $178,874 per year, adjusted for the local cost of living index of 141. This figure reflects typical earnings for experienced professionals in this role, considering Sacramento's unique economic conditions.

Salary Range and Experience Levels

Entry-level judge professionals in Sacramento can expect to earn around $106,472 annually. As professionals gain experience, salaries typically increase, with senior-level judges earning approximately $298,122 per year. This represents a 180% increase from entry to senior level.

Cost of Living Adjustment

Sacramento's cost of living index of 141 significantly impacts salary comparisons. As a higher cost-of-living city, salaries in Sacramento 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 Sacramento typically goes toward housing. With a 1-bedroom apartment averaging $1,950 per month, housing represents about 13.1% 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 Sacramento, 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.