How Judge / Magistrates in Minnesota get paid in 2026 — median, range, experience tiers, metro breakdown, and a comparison against national pay.
Pay tiers reflect typical Minnesota compensation across career stages. Specialized employers may pay above these ranges.
| Experience | Median 2026 | 25th % | 75th % |
|---|---|---|---|
| Entry (0–1 yr) | $123,100 | $93,500 | $160,000 |
| Junior (2–4 yrs) | $153,000 | $116,200 | $198,800 |
| Mid-Level (5–9 yrs) | $175,900 | $133,600 | $228,600 |
| Senior (10–14 yrs) | $211,000 | $160,300 | $274,300 |
| Veteran (15+ yrs) | $239,200 | $181,600 | $310,800 |
Pay varies sharply within Minnesota. Major metros usually outpay state-wide averages.
| Metro | Median | 25th % | 75th % | vs Minnesota |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Minneapolis | $181,100 | $137,600 | $235,400 | +3% |
Top occupations by median pay in Minnesota — useful context if you're weighing a career switch.
→ See full ranking of top 25 highest-paying jobs in Minnesota
If you'd consider relocating, here's how regional and comparable markets pay for the same job.
The average Judge / Magistrate salary in Minnesota is $175,900 per year as of 2026, based on projections from BLS Occupational Employment Statistics. The 25th percentile sits at $133,600 and the 75th at $228,600.
Pay-wise, Minnesota sits +8% above the national Judge / Magistrate median ($162,800). That makes it one of the stronger markets — though cost of living should always be factored in alongside raw salary.
Senior Judge / Magistrates (10–14 years of experience) in Minnesota earn around $211,000 per year on average. Veterans with 15+ years can reach $239,200 or more, especially at the 75th percentile and above.
Among all 51 jurisdictions (50 states + DC), Minnesota ranks 15th for Judge / Magistrate pay. The highest-paying state pays around $228,000 on average.
The median is a benchmark, not a verdict. Your exact market value depends on your experience and education — plus your specific employer's pay band. Run the free calculator for a personalized number.
Get my personal salary report →