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Also known as: District Judge, Superior Court Judge, Circuit Judge, Magistrate Judge
You arrive at the bustling downtown courthouse, the marble floors echoing your steps. Your clerk, Sarah, greets you in chambers. You shed your coat, power on your desktop computer, and pull up today’s docket on the court's case management software. Stacks of briefs and motions await your review. You grab a legal pad and a pen, starting to outline key arguments and points of law for the upcoming morning hearings, already feeling the mental load.
The outlook for judges is expected to remain stable through 2035. Most judges gain extensive legal experience as attorneys before taking the bench. You could advance to roles like Chief Justice or specialize as an Appellate or Federal Judge.
Career ladder
Often before this role
Where it can lead
$120,000 - $250,000 per year
Estimated for US-wide average
Bachelor's Degree
Minimum educational requirement for this position
Based on job level & field
Law
University • Law & Public Administration • 3 years
Legal Studies
Bachelor • Law & Public Administration • 4 years
Advanced Legal Research/Studies, General
Bachelor • Law & Public Administration • 4 years
Political Science
University • Social Sciences • 4 years
Ethics
Bachelor • Social Sciences • 4 years
Philosophy
Bachelor • Social Sciences • 4 years