How much do U.S. judges get paid?
Asked by: Troy Morissette | Last update: February 15, 2026Score: 4.2/5 (44 votes)
U.S. judge salaries vary significantly by federal, state, and local levels, with federal judges earning substantial salaries (e.g., District Judges around $243k, Supreme Court Justices over $300k in 2024), while state and local judges have wide ranges, often starting lower but with potential for substantial earnings or supplements, with the median for all judges around $156,000 as of May 2024, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Who is the highest paid judge in the United States?
The highest-paid judges in the U.S. are typically Federal Judges, especially Supreme Court Justices, followed by high-level state court judges in states like California and Illinois, with federal Chief Justice salary over $300k and state supreme justices nearing $300k, according to early 2024 data. State judges in California and Illinois consistently rank at the top for various court levels, while salaries vary significantly by state.
How much do US Supreme Court judges get paid?
As of 2024/2025, the U.S. Supreme Court Chief Justice earns about $312,200 annually, while Associate Justices earn around $298,500, with salaries set by Congress and subject to periodic increases, reflecting their significant roles in the judiciary.
What is the salary of a US senator?
A U.S. Senator's base salary is $174,000 per year, a rate unchanged since 2009, though leaders (Majority/Minority Leaders, President pro tempore) earn more, around $193,400 annually, with additional allowances for staff and office expenses. Their compensation includes health and retirement benefits, and they can have substantial other incomes, as many come from successful careers in business or law before entering politics.
What is the president's salary?
The U.S. President receives a $400,000 annual salary, a rate set in 2001, plus a $50,000 expense account for official duties, a $100,000 non-taxable travel account, and $19,000 for entertainment, along with perks like housing, healthcare, and security, though some presidents donate their salary.
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What is the salary of a US governor?
US governors' salaries vary significantly by state, with high earners like New York ($250,000) and lower ones in states like Virginia ($36,321), averaging around $149,000 in 2022, reflecting differences in state budgets and cost of living, with no single federal standard.
Which judge has the highest salary?
The highest-paid judge in the U.S. federal system is the Chief Justice of the United States, earning $312,200 annually as of 2024, followed by Supreme Court Associate Justices at $298,500, while Judge Judy (Judy Sheindlin) earned significantly more ($47 million/year) in her television role before retiring, highlighting that entertainment judges far out-earn public officials.
What is the salary of the Speaker of the House?
The Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives earns an annual salary of $223,500, a significant increase from the standard $174,000 salary for regular Members of Congress, reflecting their leadership role with added responsibilities, as of early 2026. This pay bump provides additional income for the Speaker, who also receives the base pay of a Representative.
Is the US president's salary taxable?
No, the president's income is not tax-free. Like other American citizens, the president must pay individual income taxes and file a tax return. The same laws that govern taxpaying American citizens apply to the president because, despite the office, they are still considered a citizen.
What country pays judges the most?
Scotland, then England and Wales, come out top. In England and Wales, the top judges earn 8.1 times the average national salary; in Frances 3.4 times; in Italy 5.8 times; in Spain 4.7 times; and in Scotland 8.5 times.
How many hours does a judge work a day?
Most judges and hearing officers work full time, and some work more than 40 hours per week. Some courthouses have evening and weekend hours. In addition, judges may have to be on call during nights or weekends to issue emergency orders, such as search warrants or restraining orders.
Do Justices get paid after retirement?
A judge may choose to retire from the office entirely (as I have done), at which point they no longer hold the office of federal judge or justice but continue to be paid an annuity equal to their salary at the time of their retirement.
What state pays judges the least?
The lowest-paid general jurisdiction judges in 2023, according to the report, were in Puerto Rico, which ranked 55th with an annual salary of $89,600, followed by Northern Mariana, ranked 54th at $120,000, and West Virginia, which was ranked 53rd with $132,300.
Who is the most powerful judge in the USA?
The most powerful judge in the United States is generally considered to be the Chief Justice of the United States, currently John G. Roberts, Jr., because he leads the Supreme Court, heads the entire federal judiciary, and holds significant influence in shaping legal precedent and the Court's direction, even if his vote is just one of nine. His power comes from judicial leadership, managing close cases, and influencing the institutional reputation of the Supreme Court.
What benefits do judges receive?
The Judiciary offers multiple insurance programs to provide peace of mind and protection for you and your loved ones.
- Federal Employees Health Benefits Program (FEHB)
- Federal Employees Dental and Vision Insurance (FEDVIP)
- Federal Employees' Group Life Insurance (FEGLI)
- Long-term Care Insurance (LTC)
How much is a senator paid?
A U.S. Senator's base salary is $174,000 annually, a rate set in 2009, with leaders earning more, like Majority/Minority Leaders and the President pro tempore at $193,400, while other income can come from prior careers or expense reimbursements, according to Congress.gov.
How much does a US vice president make per year?
The Vice President of the United States earns an annual salary of $235,100, a figure that has remained constant due to a pay freeze since 2019, despite an official rate set at $284,600 for 2024. This base salary is supplemented by an annual expense allowance of $20,000 and access to the official residence, Number One Observatory Circle.
What is the highest paid position?
Top 10 Highest Paying Jobs in USA (Inc Salaries)
- Chief Executive Officer. The company's Chief Executive Officer (CEO) is responsible for guiding the company towards success and growth. ...
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Is becoming a judge harder than a lawyer?
Yes, becoming a judge is generally much harder than becoming a lawyer because it requires years of successful legal practice, navigating political hurdles (election or appointment), and facing intense competition for a limited number of spots, whereas becoming a lawyer primarily requires law school and passing the bar exam, making the path to judgeship a significantly more difficult, specialized, and selective career progression.
How much does the president get paid in 2025?
The President shall receive in full for his services during the term for which he shall have been elected compensation in the aggregate amount of $400,000 a year, to be paid monthly, and in addition an expense allowance of $50,000 to assist in defraying expenses relating to or resulting from the discharge of his ...
Which TV judge makes the most money?
Happy 75th birthday to one of the highest-paid personalities in television history, Judge Judy Sheindlin.
Do governors receive a pension?
The pension paid to a California governor is based on their years of service and the salary they earned while in office. For the governor and lieutenant governor, the pension is capped at 40% of their final salary if they serve for one to eight years, or 60% of the final salary if they served for 24 years or more.
What is governor Newsom's salary?
Gavin Newsom's official salary as Governor of California is $234,101 annually, though some sources list slightly different figures from past years or pending adjustments, like a potential $245,929 in late 2025; however, he earns substantial additional income from his wine and hospitality businesses, which he placed in a blind trust, reporting millions in combined income with his wife, Jennifer Siebel Newsom, on past tax returns.