How to become a judge, magistrate judges, and magistrates

Arbitrate, advise, adjudicate, or administer justice in a court of law. May sentence defendant in criminal cases according to government statutes or sentencing guidelines. May determine liability of defendant in civil cases. May perform wedding ceremonies.

Steps to get there

Most employers expect most of these occupations require graduate school. for example, they may require a master's degree, and some require a ph.d., m.d., or j.d. (law degree)..Extensive skill, knowledge, and experience are needed for these occupations. Many require more than five years of experience. For example, surgeons must complete four years of college and an additional five to seven years of specialized medical training to be able to do their job.

What judges, magistrate judges, and magistrates do

• Sentence defendants in criminal cases, on conviction by jury, according to applicable government statutes.
• Monitor proceedings to ensure that all applicable rules and procedures are followed.
• Instruct juries on applicable laws, direct juries to deduce the facts from the evidence presented, and hear their verdicts.
• Write decisions on cases.
• Read documents on pleadings and motions to ascertain facts and issues.
• Rule on admissibility of evidence and methods of conducting testimony.

Skills that matter most

• Active Listening
• Critical Thinking
• Reading Comprehension
• Writing
• Speaking
• Active Learning
• Monitoring
• Learning Strategies

Is judge, magistrate judges, and magistrates a good career?

On the numbers, this job pays above the typical job. Median pay is 202% above the all-occupation median. Whether it fits you depends on the work itself, the schooling you are willing to do and where you want to live.

Where it pays most

• Rhode Island $239,760
• Massachusetts $221,710
• Connecticut $217,760
• New York $216,390
• Hawaii $211,810

Judges, Magistrate Judges, and Magistrates salary by state and city

Sources: O*NET® 31.0 (CC BY 4.0, USDOL/ETA) and BLS Employment Projections 2025–35. Pay: BLS OEWS May 2025.