Judicial Law Clerks: Salary, Education, and Career Path (2026)
The U.S. has 13,220 judicial law clerks, and they earn a median of $60,400/year. The range runs from $42K to $113K. New York pays the most.
What it takes
The BLS lists the typical education for this role as varies by employer.
Entry-level judicial law clerks start around $42K. The gap between that and the median ($60K) is where experience, certifications, and location make the difference.
Top earners clear $113K, but that's the 90th percentile. Getting there usually takes a decade or more of experience, the right credentials, and being in a high-paying market.
Salary progression
Highest paying states
| State | Median salary | Employment |
|---|---|---|
| New York | $128K | 900 |
| Connecticut | $96K | 260 |
| Arkansas | $94K | 70 |
| North Dakota | $89K | 40 |
| Tennessee | $80K | 590 |
| Washington | $80K | 540 |
| California | $76K | 1,520 |
| Idaho | $72K | 50 |
| Maine | $69K | 30 |
| Nevada | $66K | 70 |
Frequently asked questions
How much does a judicial law clerks make?▼
The median judicial law clerks salary in the United States is $60,400 per year ($29/hour). Entry-level positions start around $42,000, while experienced professionals earn up to $113,150.
What education do you need to become a judicial law clerks?▼
The BLS lists the typical entry-level education as varies by employer. State licensing or certification requirements vary, so check your state's board for specifics.
What is the job outlook for judicial law clerks?▼
Check the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook for the latest employment projections for judicial law clerks.
What are the highest paying states for judicial law clerks?▼
The highest paying states for judicial law clerks are New York ($127,780), Connecticut ($96,260), Arkansas ($94,490), North Dakota ($89,080), Tennessee ($80,440). Salaries vary significantly by location due to cost of living and local demand.