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

Judges, Magistrate Judges, and Magistrates in Washington earn a median salary of $131,740/year, which is 16% below the national average. Washington has no state income tax. After taxes and rent, a judges, magistrate judges, and magistrates takes home approximately $6,988/month. Most positions require Doctoral or professional degree.

$132K
Median salary in Washington
-16%
vs. national average
None
State income tax
1,050
Employed in Washington

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

Gross annual salary$131,740
Est. monthly take-home (no state tax)$8,400/mo
Median 2BR rent (Washington)-$1,412/mo
Rent as % of take-home16.8% (within guideline)
Cost-of-living adjusted salary$131,740/yr (RPP: 100)
Monthly remaining after rent$6,988/mo

Becoming a judges, magistrate judges, and magistrates in Washington

1

Meet education requirements

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

2

Gain required experience

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

3

Obtain Washington licensure or certification

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

4

Find positions in Washington

Washington employs 1,050 judges, magistrate judges, and magistrates. The highest concentrations are in Longview-Kelso and Kennewick-Richland.

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

Metro areaMedianHourlyEmployment
Longview-Kelso$224K$107.71/hr40
Kennewick-Richland$202K$96.88/hr30
Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue$133K$63.92/hr540
Olympia-Lacey-Tumwater$118K$56.71/hr60
Spokane-Spokane Valley$109K$52.25/hr60

Judges, Magistrate Judges, and Magistrates salary range in Washington

10th percentile (entry)
$106K
25th percentile
$109K
Median (50th)
$132K
75th percentile
$202K
90th percentile (senior)
$228K
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Frequently asked questions

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

The median judges, magistrate judges, and magistrates salary in Washington is $131,740 per year ($63.34/hr). This is 16% below the national median of $156,210. Salaries range from $105,820 to $228,330.

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

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

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

At the median salary of $131,740, a judges, magistrate judges, and magistrates in Washington would take home approximately $8,400/month after taxes. With median 2-bedroom rent at $1,412/month, that's 16.8% 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 Washington?

The highest paying metro areas for judges, magistrate judges, and magistrates in Washington are Longview-Kelso ($224,040), Kennewick-Richland ($201,510), Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue ($132,960). However, cost of living varies significantly between metros — a higher salary may not mean more purchasing power.

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

No, Washington 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.