Legal Detroit · 2026 +3.5% YoY proj.

Judge / Magistrate Salary in Detroit

Auto industry recovery, growing tech scene, low cost of living. Here's how Judge / Magistrates in Detroit get paid in 2026.

$157,600
Median Judge / Magistrate salary in Detroit, Q1 2026.
Versus US median ($162,800): -3% · Versus Michigan state ($156,300): +1%
Range: $119,800 (P25) → $204,900 (P75) → $260,100 (P90).
Pay distribution · 2026
P25
$119,800
MEDIAN
$157,600
P75
$204,900
P90
$260,100
By Tenure

Judge / Magistrate Salary by Experience in Detroit

How pay scales with career stage in the Detroit metro market.

ExperienceMedian 202625th %75th %
Entry (0–1 yr)$110,300$83,800$143,400
Junior (2–4 yrs)$137,100$104,200$178,200
Mid-Level (5–9 yrs)$157,600$119,800$204,900
Senior (10–14 yrs)$189,100$143,700$245,800
Veteran (15+ yrs)$214,300$162,900$278,600
Metro Comparison

Judge / Magistrate Pay in Other Top US Metros

Highest-paying metros for Judge / Magistrates — useful if you're weighing a relocation.

Detroit Pay Map

Highest-Paying Jobs in Detroit

Top occupations by median pay across the Detroit metro economy.

→ See full Detroit salary guide for all 100 jobs

FAQ

Judge / Magistrate Salary in Detroit: FAQ

What is the average Judge / Magistrate salary in Detroit?

The average Judge / Magistrate salary in the Detroit metro is $157,600 per year as of 2026, with a typical range of $119,800 to $204,900 (25th–75th percentile). Top earners (90th percentile) make $260,100 or more.

Does Detroit pay more than the rest of Michigan?

Yes — Detroit pays +1% relative to the Michigan state median for Judge / Magistrates. Major metros typically concentrate higher-paying employers and command a wage premium over rural and small-city areas in the same state.

How does Detroit compare to other US metros for Judge / Magistrate pay?

Detroit vs. national: -3%. Detroit pays roughly in line with the national average for Judge / Magistrates. Whether that's a 'good' deal depends on local cost of living and your career stage.

What experience level does $157,600 represent?

In Detroit, the median Judge / Magistrate salary of $157,600 typically corresponds to 5–9 years of experience (mid-level). Entry-level Judge / Magistrates in Detroit start around $110,300, while seniors (10+ years) reach $189,100 or more.

Personal Audit

Are you underpaid as a Judge / Magistrate in Detroit?

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