Arbitrate, advise, adjudicate, or administer justice in a court of law. May sentence defendant in criminal cases according to government statutes or sentencing guidelines. May determine liability of defendant in civil cases. May perform wedding ceremonies.
SOC: 23-1023.00
Common Job Titles
District Court Judge
Judge
Magistrate
Superior Court Judge
What You'll Need to Succeed
AI-generated
Key competencies for this occupation at a glance
KnowledgeEvaluate case evidence, legal arguments, and witness testimony for compliance with statutory and constitutional standards in criminal and civil proceedings, working independently under appellate review.
Advanced
KnowledgeSynthesize complex legal precedents, statutory provisions, and case facts into binding judicial rulings applying critical reasoning under time constraints in courtroom settings.
Advanced
KnowledgeAssess defendant culpability and appropriate sentencing within statutory frameworks in criminal cases, balancing justice, public safety, and rehabilitation considerations.
Advanced
KnowledgeInterpret legal statutes, regulations, and constitutional provisions when rendering oral and written decisions that establish binding precedent.
Advanced
MindsetEmbody impartiality, ethical integrity, and judicial temperament while presiding over emotionally charged proceedings involving diverse parties.
Advanced
KnowledgeCompose written judicial opinions, orders, and legal memoranda articulating complex legal reasoning with clarity for attorneys, appellate courts, and the public.
Advanced
KnowledgeAnalyze civil liability claims and damages interpreting contracts, torts, and regulatory compliance issues in diverse legal disputes.
Proficient
MindsetIntegrate active listening and social perceptiveness to assess credibility and demeanor during witness examination and oral arguments in adversarial proceedings.
Proficient
MindsetBalance competing legal principles, individual rights, and community interests when resolving conflicts and negotiating procedural accommodations.
Proficient
KnowledgePrioritize case dockets and scheduling of hearings, trials, and motions managing high-volume caseloads while ensuring timely administration of justice.
Proficient
KnowledgeApply legal research databases and case management software using LexisNexis, Westlaw, and courtroom scheduling systems to support judicial decision-making.
Proficient
MindsetAdvocate for procedural fairness and due process protections when instructing juries, ruling on evidentiary objections, and managing courtroom decorum.
Proficient
Wage Data According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics
Annual wage data for Judges, Magistrate Judges, and Magistrates (2024)
Estimated Total Employment (U.S.)
25,580
Wage Distribution by Percentile
Line chart of annual wages by percentile. U.S. is the solid line. 10th percentile: U.S. $46,520. 25th percentile: U.S. $86,060. 50th percentile: U.S. $156,210. 75th percentile: U.S. $189,890. 90th percentile: U.S. $216,540. Use the left and right arrow keys to move between percentiles.
U.S.
Metric
U.S.
10% of workers earn the following or less
$46,520
10% of workers earn the following or more
$216,540
Workers on average earn
$143,110
+ indicates wage is at or above the BLS reporting cap ($239,200/year)
Skills & Requirements
Key competencies for this occupation, ranked by importance
Law and Government4.9/5
English Language4.5/5
Administration and Management3.6/5
Psychology3.4/5
Customer and Personal Service3.3/5
Skills & Requirements: Knowledge
Tools & Technology
Equipment and software commonly used in this occupation
