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Judges


Overview

Judges

Introduction

Judges are elected or appointed officials who preside over federal, state, county, and municipal courts. They apply the law to citizens and businesses and oversee court proceedings according to the established law. Judges also give new rulings on issues not previously decided. Approximately 45,300 judges work in all levels of the judiciary arm of the United States.

Quick Facts


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Median Salary

$136,910

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Employment Prospects

Good

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Minimum Education Level

Law Degree


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Experience

Internship or clerkship
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Skills

Interpersonal
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Personality Traits

Organized
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Earnings

Judges earned median annual salaries of $136,910 in May 2019, according to the U.S. Department of Labor. Salaries ranged from less than $39,110 to more than $204,200.

According to the Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts, federal district court judges earned an average of $216,400 in 2020. Federal circuit judges averaged $229,500. The chief justice of the United States Supreme Court ...

Work Environment

Judges work in offices and courtrooms. The work can be stressful and demanding, with long hours spent in the court or hearing room listening to cases. Some individuals may be difficult and confrontational, adding to the stress of the job. Some judges may have to work evenings and weekend hours, depending on the schedule of the courthouses. Judges also may get phone calls at night or over weeken...

Outlook

Slower than average employment growth is expected for judges through 2029. One factor contributing to this slow job growth is budgetary constraints in local, state, and federal governments, which is limiting governments' ability to fill judge vacancies. In 2020, the coronavirus pandemic has also slowed down employment growth for judges. Many trials and hearings have either been postponed or are...

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