Judicial Law Clerk Salary in the United States
Based on 13K+ data points from BLS and H-1B filings
Median Annual Salary
$67,463
$32.43/hr
▲ 9.7% vs 2024Salary Range
$53K – $92K
10th – 90th percentile
Total Employed
13K
workers nationwide
The Judicial Law Clerk salary in the United States shows a median of $67,463 annually, translating to approximately $32 per hour. This role is integral to the judicial process, providing essential research and support to judges. Understanding this salary landscape is crucial for those considering a career in this specialized legal field.
Several factors influence a Judicial Law Clerk's earning potential, including experience level, the specific court system, and geographic location. While the typical salary range falls between $52,840 and $91,529, certain areas offer significantly higher compensation. This variability highlights the importance of researching specific job markets within the broader Judicial Law Clerk salary in the United States.
Salary Distribution — Judicial Law Clerk
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $52,840 |
| 25th percentile | $59,427 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $67,463 |
| 75th percentile | $80,397 |
| 90th percentile | $91,529 |
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 |
Judicial Law Clerk Salary by Industry
How much Judicial Law Clerks earn across industries nationwide — Government (excl. schools, hospitals & USPS) pays the most ($64,920 median). Ranked by median annual salary (2025 BLS OEWS data).
| # | Industry | Median Salary | vs National | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Government (excl. schools, hospitals & USPS) | $64,920 | -3.8% | 13K |
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures.
Historical Salary Trend — Judicial Law Clerk
| Year | Median Salary (United States) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $57,368 |
| 2023 | $60,544 |
| 2024 | $61,522 |
| 2025 | $67,463 |
| 2026 (projected) | $71,511 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
Judicial Law Clerk Salary by Experience Level
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $59,427 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $67,463 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $80,397 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $91,529 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average salary for a Judicial Law Clerk in the US?
- The median Judicial Law Clerk salary in the United States is $67,463 per year. This figure represents the midpoint of all salaries, with half earning more and half earning less, offering a solid benchmark for this profession.
What is the salary range for a Judicial Law Clerk?
- The salary range for Judicial Law Clerks in the United States typically spans from $52,840 to $91,529 annually. This wide range reflects differences in experience, location, and the specific judicial body employing the clerk.
Which state pays Judicial Law Clerks the most?
- Massachusetts stands out as the top-paying state for Judicial Law Clerks, with an impressive median salary of $143,350 per year. This is significantly higher than the national median, indicating strong demand and compensation in that region.
How many Judicial Law Clerks are employed in the United States?
- There are approximately 12,870 Judicial Law Clerks employed across the United States. This indicates a stable but specialized job market within the legal sector.