Tech epicenter — highest tech wages on Earth. Here's how Judge / Magistrates in San Francisco get paid in 2026.
How pay scales with career stage in the San Francisco metro market.
| Experience | Median 2026 | 25th % | 75th % |
|---|---|---|---|
| Entry (0–1 yr) | $179,600 | $136,500 | $233,500 |
| Junior (2–4 yrs) | $223,200 | $169,600 | $290,200 |
| Mid-Level (5–9 yrs) | $256,600 | $195,000 | $333,600 |
| Senior (10–14 yrs) | $307,900 | $234,000 | $400,300 |
| Veteran (15+ yrs) | $348,900 | $265,200 | $453,600 |
Highest-paying metros for Judge / Magistrates — useful if you're weighing a relocation.
Top occupations by median pay across the San Francisco metro economy.
The average Judge / Magistrate salary in the San Francisco metro is $256,600 per year as of 2026, with a typical range of $195,000 to $333,600 (25th–75th percentile). Top earners (90th percentile) make $423,400 or more.
Yes — San Francisco pays +13% relative to the California 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.
San Francisco vs. national: +58%. That puts San Francisco among the stronger US markets for Judge / Magistrates — though cost of living in San Francisco is also typically elevated.
In San Francisco, the median Judge / Magistrate salary of $256,600 typically corresponds to 5–9 years of experience (mid-level). Entry-level Judge / Magistrates in San Francisco start around $179,600, while seniors (10+ years) reach $307,900 or more.
Metro medians are useful benchmarks — but your exact number depends on your experience, education, and the specific employer. Run the free calculator for a personalized read.
Get my personal salary report →