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.

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)