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.
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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)