Judicial Law Clerks in California
2026 Salary & Job Market Data
Quick Snapshot
| Metric | California | National | Insight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $76,410 | $60,400 | +26.5% vs US |
| State Rank | #7 of 36 states | Top 10 state | |
| Employment | 1,520 jobs | 13,220 jobs | 11.5% of US jobs |
| Job Concentration (LQ) | — | 1.00 | Average |
Full Salary Distribution in California
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $49,240 | $23.68 |
| 25th Percentile | $62,460 | $30.03 |
| Median | $76,410 | $36.74 |
| 75th Percentile | $78,060 | $37.53 |
| 90th Percentile | $86,090 | $41.39 |
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the job outlook for Judicial Law Clerks in California in 2026?
With a median salary of $76,410 in California and a 2014–2024 salary trend of +18.0%, judicial law clerks are still in strong and growing demand.
How can judicial law clerks increase their salary in California?
Judicial Law Clerks in California 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: California currently ranks #7 out of 36 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 Judicial Law Clerks in California?
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) | $62,980 |
| Federal, State, and Local Government, excluding State and Local Government Schools and Hospitals and the U.S. Postal Service (OEWS Designation) | $60,440 |
| Local Government, excluding Schools and Hospitals (OEWS Designation) | $58,940 |
How are Judicial Law Clerks paid in California compared to the national average?
The median salary for Judicial Law Clerks in California is $76,410, which is 26.5% above the national median of $60,400.