Judicial Law Clerk Salary in the United States
Based on 13K+ data points from BLS and H-1B filings
Median Annual Salary
$67,463
$32.434/hr
▲ 9.7% vs 2024Salary Range
$82K – $143K
10th – 90th percentile
Total Employed
13K
workers nationwide
The median Judicial Law Clerk salary in the United States is $61,522 per year. With approximately 11,200 workers currently employed in this role, judicial law clerks support judges and justices across federal, state, and local courts. This position offers stable, professional work for those pursuing legal careers or seeking court-based experience early in their professional journey.
Judicial Law Clerk salary in the United States varies significantly based on several factors. Court jurisdiction, experience level, and geographic location all influence compensation, with salaries ranging from $48,530 to $169,250 annually. Federal clerkships typically offer higher pay than state positions, while prestigious court assignments and additional responsibilities can also push earnings toward the upper end of the scale.
Salary Distribution — Judicial Law Clerk
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $82,210 |
| 25th percentile | $143,350 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $67,463 |
| 75th percentile | $143,350 |
| 90th percentile | $143,350 |
Judicial Law Clerk Salary by State
Top 10 Highest-Paying States for Judicial Law Clerk
| # | State | Median Salary | vs National | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Massachusetts | $143,350 | +112.5% | 500 |
| 2 | New York | $133,320 | +97.6% | 850 |
| 3 | Connecticut | $98,670 | +46.3% | 270 |
| 4 | Oregon | $86,870 | +28.8% | 30 |
| 5 | North Dakota | $85,530 | +26.8% | 40 |
| 6 | Washington | $80,240 | +18.9% | 580 |
| 7 | Arkansas | $80,150 | +18.8% | 50 |
| 8 | California | $79,030 | +17.1% | 2K |
| 9 | Idaho | $75,540 | +12.0% | 60 |
| 10 | Tennessee | $75,190 | +11.5% | 400 |
Historical Salary Trend — Judicial Law Clerk
| Year | Median Salary (United States) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $57,368 |
| 2023 | $60,544 |
| 2024 | $61,522 |
| 2025 | $67,463 |
Judicial Law Clerk Salary by Experience Level
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do judicial law clerks make per hour in the United States?
- Judicial law clerks earn a median hourly rate of $30/hour in the United States. This translates to an annual median salary of $61,522, though hourly rates can vary depending on location and experience level.
What is the salary range for judicial law clerks?
- Judicial law clerk salaries in the United States range from $48,530 at the lower end to $169,250 at the upper end. This wide range reflects differences in geographic location, court level, and years of experience.
Which city pays judicial law clerks the most?
- New York is the top-paying city for judicial law clerks, offering salaries up to $127,780. This significantly exceeds the national median salary of $61,522, making it an attractive location for this profession.
How many judicial law clerks are employed in the US?
- There are approximately 11,200 judicial law clerks employed across the United States. This represents the total workforce in this specialized legal profession.