Judges and hearing officers
Salary, job outlook, AI risk & career information
Median Salary
$135,160
~$65/hr · ~$11,263/mo
US Jobs
45K
Slower than average
AI & Automation Risk
7/10
High Risk
AI & Automation Risk
High Risk 7/10
The core tasks of researching legal issues, evaluating documents, and writing opinions are highly digital and susceptible to AI automation, which can significantly increase productivity and reduce the need for human staff. However, the role requires high-stakes human judgment, presiding over physical courtrooms, and maintaining public trust, which creates a significant barrier to full automation.
Salary by City — What You Actually Take Home
Real purchasing power = salary adjusted for cost of living. Higher = more money in your pocket.
| City | Local Salary | Cost of Living | Real Purchasing Power |
|---|---|---|---|
| Longview-Kelso, WABEST VALUE | $224,040 | Average (99.3) | $225,594 |
| Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin, TN | $218,190 | Average (97.0) | $224,883 |
| Worcester, MA | $221,710 | Average (103.0) | $215,290 |
| Knoxville, TN | $197,740 | Below avg (92.2) | $214,389 |
| Lincoln, NE | $196,390 | Below avg (91.9) | $213,716 |
| Omaha, NE-IA | $196,390 | Below avg (92.5) | $212,371 |
| Kennewick-Richland, WA | $201,510 | Average (98.9) | $203,782 |
| Atlantic City-Hammonton, NJ | $200,150 | Average (98.9) | $202,366 |
| Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH | $221,710 | Above avg (110.4) | $200,837 |
| Bridgeport-Stamford-Danbury, CT Metropolitan Statistical Area | $211,420 | Above avg (107.0) | $197,568 |
| Evansville, IN | $177,180 | Below avg (90.0) | $196,871 |
| Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD | $200,150 | Average (102.4) | $195,530 |
| Trenton-Princeton, NJ | $200,150 | Average (102.4) | $195,425 |
| Utica-Rome, NY | $175,420 | Below avg (92.7) | $189,163 |
| Colorado Springs, CO | $184,690 | Average (98.1) | $188,242 |
Cost of Living Index: 100 = US national average. Below 100 = cheaper. Above 100 = more expensive.
Education & Requirements
Education Required
Doctoral or professional degree
10-Year Growth
+1% (Slower than average)
Hourly Rate
~$65/hr
Monthly Income
~$11,263/mo
Related Careers
Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics OOH (2024)