All About Judges, and Magistrates
Judge or Magistrate Definition 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.
List of Judge or Magistrate Job Duties
- Advise attorneys, juries, litigants, and court personnel regarding conduct, issues, and proceedings.
- Write decisions on cases.
- Rule on custody and access disputes, and enforce court orders regarding custody and support of children.
- Research legal issues and write opinions on the issues.
- Monitor proceedings to ensure that all applicable rules and procedures are followed.
- Instruct juries on applicable laws, direct juries to deduce the facts from the evidence presented, and hear their verdicts.
Featured schools near , edit
Judge or Magistrate Needed Skills
These are the skills Judges, and Magistrates say are the most useful in their careers:
Active Listening: Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
Judgment and Decision Making: Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
Reading Comprehension: Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
Speaking: Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Complex Problem Solving: Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
Types of Judge or Magistrate Jobs
- Appeals Court Associate Justice
- Magistrate Judge
- Immigration Judge
- Superior Court Justice
- Juvenile Court Judge
Is There Going to be Demand for Judges, and Magistrates?
In 2016, there was an estimated number of 28,400 jobs in the United States for Judge or Magistrate. New jobs are being produced at a rate of 5.6% which is above the national average. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts 1,600 new jobs for Judge or Magistrate by 2026. The BLS estimates 1,400 yearly job openings in this field.

The states with the most job growth for Judge or Magistrate are Utah, Nevada, and Texas. Watch out if you plan on working in Maryland, New Jersey, or Wyoming. These states have the worst job growth for this type of profession.
Judge or Magistrate Average Salary
Judges, and Magistrates make between $34,790 and $193,330 a year.

Judges, and Magistrates who work in California, Connecticut, or Nevada, make the highest salaries.
How much do Judges, and Magistrates make in each U.S. state?
State | Annual Mean Salary |
---|---|
Alabama | $59,780 |
Arizona | $108,080 |
Arkansas | $122,840 |
California | $178,700 |
Colorado | $150,890 |
Connecticut | $160,410 |
Delaware | $140,680 |
Florida | $140,720 |
Georgia | $108,150 |
Indiana | $122,510 |
Iowa | $82,240 |
Kansas | $87,270 |
Kentucky | $130,230 |
Maine | $109,730 |
Maryland | $145,960 |
Minnesota | $135,730 |
Mississippi | $50,640 |
Missouri | $127,270 |
Montana | $52,370 |
Nevada | $156,290 |
New Jersey | $126,760 |
New Mexico | $82,460 |
New York | $158,970 |
North Dakota | $132,550 |
Ohio | $90,960 |
Oklahoma | $77,130 |
Oregon | $127,800 |
Pennsylvania | $60,120 |
South Carolina | $68,080 |
South Dakota | $85,710 |
Tennessee | $111,440 |
Texas | $90,350 |
Utah | $102,340 |
Washington | $124,440 |
West Virginia | $80,990 |
Wisconsin | $114,820 |
Tools & Technologies Used by Judges, and Magistrates
Although they’re not necessarily needed for all jobs, the following technologies are used by many Judges, and Magistrates:
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Office
- Web browser software
- Email software
- Word processing software
- Adobe Systems Adobe Acrobat
- LexisNexis
- Online databases
- Videoconferencing software
- Instant messaging software
- Thomson Reuters WestLaw
- Courtroom scheduling software
Becoming a Judge or Magistrate
What kind of Judge or Magistrate requirements are there?

How many years of work experience do I need?

Who Employs Judges, and Magistrates?

Judges, and Magistrates work in the following industries:

References:
Image Credit: Okan Г‡alД±Еџkan via CC0 Public Domain
More about our data sources and methodologies.
Featured Schools
![]() |
Southern New Hampshire University You have goals. Southern New Hampshire University can help you get there. Whether you need a bachelor's degree to get into a career or want a master's degree to move up in your current career, SNHU has an online program for you. Find your degree from over 200 online programs. Learn More > |