Legal Nashville · 2026 +3.5% YoY proj.

Judge / Magistrate Salary in Nashville

Healthcare HQs (HCA), music, tech relocation. Here's how Judge / Magistrates in Nashville get paid in 2026.

$154,400
Median Judge / Magistrate salary in Nashville, Q1 2026.
Versus US median ($162,800): -5% · Versus Tennessee state ($146,500): +5%
Range: $117,300 (P25) → $200,700 (P75) → $254,700 (P90).
Pay distribution · 2026
P25
$117,300
MEDIAN
$154,400
P75
$200,700
P90
$254,700
By Tenure

Judge / Magistrate Salary by Experience in Nashville

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

ExperienceMedian 202625th %75th %
Entry (0–1 yr)$108,000$82,100$140,400
Junior (2–4 yrs)$134,300$102,000$174,600
Mid-Level (5–9 yrs)$154,400$117,300$200,700
Senior (10–14 yrs)$185,200$140,700$240,800
Veteran (15+ yrs)$209,900$159,500$272,900
Metro Comparison

Judge / Magistrate Pay in Other Top US Metros

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

Nashville Pay Map

Highest-Paying Jobs in Nashville

Top occupations by median pay across the Nashville metro economy.

→ See full Nashville salary guide for all 100 jobs

FAQ

Judge / Magistrate Salary in Nashville: FAQ

What is the average Judge / Magistrate salary in Nashville?

The average Judge / Magistrate salary in the Nashville metro is $154,400 per year as of 2026, with a typical range of $117,300 to $200,700 (25th–75th percentile). Top earners (90th percentile) make $254,700 or more.

Does Nashville pay more than the rest of Tennessee?

Yes — Nashville pays +5% relative to the Tennessee 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 Nashville compare to other US metros for Judge / Magistrate pay?

Nashville vs. national: -5%. Nashville 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 $154,400 represent?

In Nashville, the median Judge / Magistrate salary of $154,400 typically corresponds to 5–9 years of experience (mid-level). Entry-level Judge / Magistrates in Nashville start around $108,000, while seniors (10+ years) reach $185,200 or more.

Personal Audit

Are you underpaid as a Judge / Magistrate in Nashville?

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