Judges, 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.
How to read this profile
BLS projects U.S. employment for Judges, Magistrate Judges, and Magistrates to increase by 2.8% between 2024 and 2034, from 25,300 to 26,000 jobs. Its estimate of 800 annual openings includes replacement needs, so it does not represent current vacancies, contract postings, or freelance demand. The wage ($153,990), education (Doctoral or professional degree), and related experience (5 years or more) figures on this profile describe typical U.S. employees. O*NET skills describe the occupation; they do not assess an individual worker's proficiency.
Base employment (2024)
25,300
Projected employment (2034)
26,000
Projected change (2024–2034)
3%
Annual openings (projected average)
800
Pay & Preparation
$153,990
Doctoral or professional degree
5 years or more
Short-term on-the-job training
Essential Skills
Active Listening (5/5) • Critical Thinking (4.88/5) • Reading Comprehension (4.25/5) • Judgment and Decision Making (4.25/5) • Writing (4.12/5) • Speaking (4.12/5)
O*NET describes occupational requirements; these ratings do not measure current job-posting frequency or an individual worker’s proficiency.
BLS projections are long-term estimates; annual openings include growth and replacement needs and are not current vacancies.
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