What is the median salary for Judges, Magistrate Judges, and Magistrates in Houston, Texas?

According to BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, the median annual wage for Judges, Magistrate Judges, and Magistrates in the Houston metropolitan area is $166,120.

Does Houston pay more than the Texas state average for Judges, Magistrate Judges, and Magistrates?

The Houston metro median is +18.7% versus the Texas state median of $139,990.

How does Houston compare to the national median for Judges, Magistrate Judges, and Magistrates?

The Houston metro median is +31.3% versus the BLS national figure of $126,559.

What is the salary range for Judges, Magistrate Judges, and Magistrates in Houston?

BLS reports the 10th-percentile annual wage at $57,070 and the 90th-percentile at $186,010 for the Houston metro area.

What education is required for Judges, Magistrate Judges, and Magistrates?

BLS lists the typical entry-level education as Doctoral or professional degree. Many employers also weigh prior experience and credentials.

Judges, Magistrate Judges, and Magistrates Salary in Houston, Texas

Median annual$166,120

Mean annual$146,690

Range (10th to 90th)$57,070 to $186,010

Houston, Texas employment460

State vs national+31.3% vs national

Salary distribution

Where Houston judges, magistrate judges, and magistrates fall on the wage curve.

Annual wage distribution

Shaded band = interquartile range (where most full-time workers fall)

The middle 50% of workers earn between $133,590 and $166,120, with a median of $166,120.

Typical entry

Education
Doctoral or professional degree
Experience
5 years or more
On-the-job training
None

Top skills (O*NET)

Active Listening
Basic skill
5.0 / 5
Law and Government
Knowledge
4.9 / 5
Critical Thinking
Cross-functional
4.9 / 5
Deductive Reasoning
Ability
4.6 / 5
Oral Comprehension
Ability
4.6 / 5
English Language
Knowledge
4.5 / 5
Written Comprehension
Ability
4.4 / 5
Inductive Reasoning
Ability
4.3 / 5

Common tasks (O*NET)

01
Sentence defendants in criminal cases, on conviction by jury, according to applicable government statutes.
02
Rule on custody and access disputes, and enforce court orders regarding custody and support of children.
03
Monitor proceedings to ensure that all applicable rules and procedures are followed.
04
Instruct juries on applicable laws, direct juries to deduce the facts from the evidence presented, and hear their verdicts.
05
Write decisions on cases.
06
Read documents on pleadings and motions to ascertain facts and issues.
07
Preside over hearings and listen to allegations made by plaintiffs to determine whether the evidence supports the charges.
08
Rule on admissibility of evidence and methods of conducting testimony.

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Other metros in Texas

How the Houston metro compares to other major Texas metro areas for judges, magistrate judges, and magistrates.

Austin$153,990
San Antonio$116,080
Dallas—

Frequently asked questions

What is the median salary for Judges, Magistrate Judges, and Magistrates in Houston, Texas?: According to BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, the median annual wage for Judges, Magistrate Judges, and Magistrates in the Houston metropolitan area is $166,120.
Does Houston pay more than the Texas state average for Judges, Magistrate Judges, and Magistrates?: The Houston metro median is +18.7% versus the Texas state median of $139,990.
How does Houston compare to the national median for Judges, Magistrate Judges, and Magistrates?: The Houston metro median is +31.3% versus the BLS national figure of $126,559.
What is the salary range for Judges, Magistrate Judges, and Magistrates in Houston?: BLS reports the 10th-percentile annual wage at $57,070 and the 90th-percentile at $186,010 for the Houston metro area.
What education is required for Judges, Magistrate Judges, and Magistrates?: BLS lists the typical entry-level education as Doctoral or professional degree. Many employers also weigh prior experience and credentials.

Disclaimer

Information on this page is for general educational purposes only. It is not career, financial, or tax advice. BLS metro estimates reflect the Houston CBSA boundary for the reference year shown and may not match individual offers, employer-specific ranges, or current market conditions. Confirm with a licensed professional before making career or compensation decisions.