How Much Does a Probate Judge Make? 2025 Salary Guide
Probate judges play a critical role in overseeing estates, guardianships, and wills, ensuring legal processes run smoothly. But what does this responsibility pay? In 2025, a probate judge’s salary hinges on location, jurisdiction, and workload. Here’s a detailed breakdown of what these legal professionals earn—and the factors that shape their paychecks.
Table of Contents
National Salary Overview
Probate judges in the U.S. earn between $68,000 and $230,000 annually, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), National Center for State Courts (NCSC), and state court salary reports. The median salary hovers around $140,000, but figures vary widely:
- Entry-level or part-time judges (common in rural areas): $68,000–$100,000
- Full-time judges in metropolitan areas: $160,000–$230,000
For context, this range aligns with other judicial roles but trails behind federal judges, who earn up to $240,500 annually.
Key Factors Influencing Pay
Geographic Location
- High-cost states:
- California: $225,000
- New York: $215,000
- Massachusetts: $200,000
- Midwest/South:
- Ohio: $150,000
- Texas: $165,000
- Rural counties:
- Part-time probate judges may earn under $90,000 (e.g., $75,000 in rural Michigan).
Full-Time vs. Part-Time Roles
- Full-time judges (common in populous counties) earn full salaries.
- Part-time judges split duties with private law practices, lowering their judicial salary.
State Budgets and Legislation
- Florida and Illinois approved 6–8% judicial pay raises in 2025 to address retention issues.
- Texas introduced a bill to raise judicial salaries by 12% over three years.
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State-by-State Probate Judge Salaries (2025)
| State | Average Salary | Notes |
| California | $225,000 | Adjusts for cost of living in urban counties |
| Texas | $165,000 | Higher pay in Harris County (Houston) |
| Florida | $175,000 | Recent 7% raise passed in 2025 |
| New York | $215,000 | NYC judges earn up to $230,000 |
| Georgia | $135,000 | Part-time roles in rural areas pay $85K |
Benefits Beyond the Base Salary
Probate judges often receive robust benefits, enhancing total compensation:
- Pensions: Most states offer lifetime pensions after 10–20 years of service.
- Health Insurance: Premiums fully or partially covered.
- Retirement Plans: Access to 401(k)-style plans with state contributions.
- Continuing Education: Paid training on estate law updates.
How Probate Judge Pay Compares to Other Legal Roles
- Probate Attorneys: Private attorneys earn $125,000–$330,000, but lack judicial benefits.
- Magistrates: Average $130,000–$160,000, similar to probate judges.
- Federal Judges: Earn $220,000–$240,500, reflecting higher jurisdiction authority.
Becoming a Probate Judge: Requirements and Outlook
- Education: Juris Doctor (JD) degree and 5+ years of legal experience.
- Selection: Most states elect probate judges; others appoint via governor or legislature.
- Job Growth: 3% growth projected (BLS 2025) as aging populations increase estate cases.
Takeaways
- Probate judges earn competitive salaries, especially in high-demand states.
- Benefits like pensions and healthcare add significant value.
- Urban roles pay more but require managing complex caseloads.
- For aspiring judges, researching state-specific requirements and salary trends is key.
Check your local court website or the National Center for State Courts (NCSC) for detailed data.
Sources:
- Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) 2025
- National Center for State Courts (NCSC) 2025
- State court salary disclosures (2025)
About the Author
Sarah Klein, JD, is an experienced estate planning attorney who has helped clients with wills, trusts, powers of attorney, and probate matters. At All About Lawyer, she simplifies complex estate laws so families can protect their assets, plan ahead, and avoid legal headaches during life’s most sensitive moments.
Read more about Sarah