Judges, Magistrate Judges, and Magistrates in Kentucky
2026 Salary & Job Market Data
Quick Snapshot
| Metric | Kentucky | National | Insight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $138,620 | $156,210 | -11.3% vs US |
| State Rank | #21 of 37 states | ||
| Employment | 420 jobs | 25,580 jobs | 1.6% of US jobs |
| Job Concentration (LQ) | — | 1.00 | Average |
Full Salary Distribution in Kentucky
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $101,390 | $48.74 |
| 25th Percentile | $137,620 | $66.16 |
| Median | $138,620 | $66.65 |
| 75th Percentile | $151,990 | $73.07 |
| 90th Percentile | $151,990 | $73.07 |
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the job outlook for Judges, Magistrate Judges, and Magistrates in Kentucky in 2026?
With a median salary of $138,620 in Kentucky and a 2014–2024 salary trend of +3.2%, judges, magistrate judges, and magistrates remain in stable demand.
How can judges, magistrate judges, and magistrates increase their salary in Kentucky?
Judges, Magistrate Judges, and Magistrates in Kentucky can increase earnings by targeting higher-paying industries which tend to offer compensation well above the state median. Additionally, relocating to a higher-paying state could offer a significant income boost: Kentucky currently ranks #21 out of 37 states for this occupation. Pursuing advanced credentials, specializations, or roles with greater responsibility are proven ways to move toward the 75th or 90th percentile of earners.
Which industries pay the most for Judges, Magistrate Judges, and Magistrates in Kentucky?
State-level industry data is limited for this occupation. Nationally, the top-paying industries are:
| Industry | Annual Median |
|---|---|
| State Government, excluding Schools and Hospitals (OEWS Designation) | $172,990 |
| Federal, State, and Local Government, excluding State and Local Government Schools and Hospitals and the U.S. Postal Service (OEWS Designation) | $156,210 |
| Local Government, excluding Schools and Hospitals (OEWS Designation) | $99,110 |
How are Judges, Magistrate Judges, and Magistrates paid in Kentucky compared to the national average?
The median salary for Judges, Magistrate Judges, and Magistrates in Kentucky is $138,620, which is 11.3% below the national median of $156,210.