Skip to content
AffordMap
Legal · Texas

How to Become a Judges, Magistrate Judges, and Magistrates in Texas

Judges, Magistrate Judges, and Magistrates in Texas earn a median salary of $139,990/year, which is 10% below the national average. Texas has no state income tax. After taxes and rent, a judges, magistrate judges, and magistrates takes home approximately $7,458/month. Most positions require Doctoral or professional degree.

$140K
Median salary in Texas
-10%
vs. national average
None
State income tax
2,610
Employed in Texas

What a judges, magistrate judges, and magistrates can afford in Texas

Gross annual salary$139,990
Est. monthly take-home (no state tax)$8,870/mo
Median 2BR rent (Texas)-$1,412/mo
Rent as % of take-home15.9% (within guideline)
Cost-of-living adjusted salary$139,990/yr (RPP: 100)
Monthly remaining after rent$7,458/mo

Becoming a judges, magistrate judges, and magistrates in Texas

1

Meet education requirements

Judges, Magistrate Judges, and Magistrates positions in Texas typically require Doctoral or professional degree. Programs are available at colleges and training institutions across Texas. Research accredited programs in your area.

2

Gain required experience

Many judges, magistrate judges, and magistrates positions in Texas require hands-on experience through internships, apprenticeships, or entry-level roles. Look for training programs and mentorship opportunities in your metro area.

3

Obtain Texas licensure or certification

Texas may require specific licensing or professional certification for judges, magistrate judges, and magistratess. Requirements vary by state — contact the Texas Department of Labor or relevant licensing board for current requirements, exam schedules, and application procedures.

4

Find positions in Texas

Texas employs 2,610 judges, magistrate judges, and magistrates. The highest concentrations are in Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands and Austin-Round Rock-San Marcos.

Judges, Magistrate Judges, and Magistrates salary by metro area in Texas

Metro areaMedianHourlyEmployment
Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands$166K$79.86/hr460
Austin-Round Rock-San Marcos$154K$74.03/hr690
Corpus Christi$137K$66.09/hr40
San Antonio-New Braunfels$116K$55.81/hr170
McAllen-Edinburg-Mission$91K$43.69/hr50
Brownsville-Harlingen$54K$26.1/hr30

Judges, Magistrate Judges, and Magistrates salary range in Texas

10th percentile (entry)
$21K
25th percentile
$71K
Median (50th)
$140K
75th percentile
$168K
90th percentile (senior)
$183K
View jobs for Judges, Magistrate Judges, and Magistrates
Currently hiring in Texas
View →
More openings for Judges, Magistrate Judges, and Magistrates
Currently hiring in Texas
View →
Full judges, magistrate judges, and magistrates salary breakdown in Texas
Percentiles, trends, and comparisons
View →
Calculate take-home pay in Texas
No state income tax!
Calculate →
Compare Texas cost of living to other states
See where your salary goes further
Compare →

Judges, Magistrate Judges, and Magistrates careers in other states

Frequently asked questions

How much does a judges, magistrate judges, and magistrates make in Texas?

The median judges, magistrate judges, and magistrates salary in Texas is $139,990 per year ($67.3/hr). This is 10% below the national median of $156,210. Salaries range from $20,630 to $183,260.

What are the requirements to become a judges, magistrate judges, and magistrates in Texas?

Judges, Magistrate Judges, and Magistrates positions in Texas typically require Doctoral or professional degree. Texas may have specific licensing or certification requirements. Check with the Texas licensing board or department of labor for current requirements.

Can a judges, magistrate judges, and magistrates afford to live in Texas?

At the median salary of $139,990, a judges, magistrate judges, and magistrates in Texas would take home approximately $8,870/month after taxes. With median 2-bedroom rent at $1,412/month, that's 15.9% of take-home pay going to housing. This is within the recommended 30% guideline.

What are the best cities for judges, magistrate judges, and magistrates in Texas?

The highest paying metro areas for judges, magistrate judges, and magistrates in Texas are Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands ($166,120), Austin-Round Rock-San Marcos ($153,990), Corpus Christi ($137,460). However, cost of living varies significantly between metros — a higher salary may not mean more purchasing power.

Does Texas have state income tax for judges, magistrate judges, and magistrates?

No, Texas does not have a state income tax. This means judges, magistrate judges, and magistrates keep more of their gross salary compared to states with income tax — a significant advantage for affordability.