Shigoto Zukan
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How to become judges, magistrate judges, and magistrateseducation, training, experience and the steps to enter

United States Legal Confidence ★★★★★

Median annual pay
$153,990
25th–75th pct. $85,710–$194,950
Top pay (est.)
$288,200
Top 10% $221,710
Pay in 5 years
$172,400est.
2031
Pay in 10 years
$192,900est.
$165,900–$224,000
Outlook score
49/100
★★☆☆☆ Average
AI replacement risk
72%
High
Job growth (10 yr)
+2.8%
800 openings / yr

How to become judges, magistrate judges, and magistrates

Typical education
Doctoral or professional degree
BLS
Related experience
5 years or more
On-the-job training
Short-term on-the-job training

A step-by-step guide for this occupation is being prepared. The education, training and experience data above show the typical path.

Skills, education and requirements for Judges, Magistrate Judges, and Magistrates

Key skills

Active Listening
5.9
Critical Thinking
5.8
Complex Problem Solving
5.0
Writing
4.9
Speaking
4.9
Judgment and Decision Making
4.8
Reading Comprehension
4.8
Active Learning
4.6

O*NET skill level ratings (0–7).

Key knowledge areas

Law and Government
6.2
English Language
5.4
Administration and Management
4.7
Psychology
4.5
Customer and Personal Service
4.2
Personnel and Human Resources
3.7
Therapy and Counseling
3.3
Public Safety and Security
3.2

What the work involves

Making Decisions and Solving ProblemsEvaluating Information to Determine Compliance with StandardsGetting InformationPerforming for or Working Directly with the PublicJudging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or PeopleUpdating and Using Relevant KnowledgeIdentifying Objects, Actions, and EventsProcessing Information

Important abilities

Oral ExpressionOral ComprehensionWritten ExpressionDeductive ReasoningInductive ReasoningWritten Comprehension

Education of workers

Doctoral degree
66%
Professional degree
23%
Post-doctoral training
10%

Training before entry

None / short demo
46%
4–10 years
18%
Over 10 years
15%
6–12 months
8%
3–6 months
6%
Up to 1 month
6%

Related work experience

8–10 years
31%
6–8 years
20%
4–6 years
18%
Over 10 years
16%
2–4 years
10%
None
6%

Job Zone 5 — extensive preparation needed (O*NET)

Difficulty of entry: ★★★★★ Hard to enter (from education, training, experience and Job Zone)

Career path and how to earn more as judges, magistrate judges, and magistrates

Career-path guidance is being prepared. Pay by percentile is shown in the Pay section.

Pay and employment figures are national statistics. Projected pay, outlook scores and AI replacement risk are estimates from the Shigoto Zukan model, not guarantees. To request a correction, use the contact form. How to read the data
Sources: BLS OEWS May 2025; BLS Employment Projections 2025–35; O*NET 31.0 Database by USDOL/ETA (CC BY 4.0), modified by Shigoto Zukan. Pay ranges, projections and scores are Shigoto Zukan estimates.