Judicial Law Clerk Salary in California
Based on 2K+ workers in California
Median Annual Salary (CA)
$79,030
$37.995/hr
vs National Average
$67,463
+17.1% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$60K – $91K
2K employed in California
The median Judicial Law Clerk salary in California is $79,030 per year, representing a 17% premium above the national average. With approximately 1,800 judicial law clerks employed throughout the state, California offers competitive compensation for legal professionals in this role. Salaries typically range from $59,620 to $90,680 annually, reflecting variation based on experience and court level.
Several factors influence Judicial Law Clerk salary in California, including the court's jurisdiction level, years of experience, and geographic location within the state. Federal court positions and appellate clerkships generally command higher pay than trial court roles. Additionally, the cost of living differences across California's urban and rural regions, combined with local demand for qualified legal talent, contribute to salary variations among judicial law clerk positions.
Salary Distribution — Judicial Law Clerk in California
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $59,620 |
| 25th percentile | $65,740 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $79,030 |
| 75th percentile | $82,200 |
| 90th percentile | $90,680 |
Historical Salary Trend — Judicial Law Clerk in California vs National
| Year | Median Salary (United States) |
|---|---|
| 2023 | $66,590 |
| 2024 | $76,410 |
| 2025 | $79,030 |
| Year | California Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | $66,590 | $60,544 |
| 2024 | $76,410 | $61,522 |
| 2025 | $79,030 | $67,463 |
Judicial Law Clerk Salary by Experience Level in California
Judicial Law Clerk Salary in Other States
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a judicial law clerk make in California?
- The median salary for a judicial law clerk in California is $79,030 per year, or $38 per hour. This is 17.1% higher than the national average for this position.
What is the salary range for judicial law clerks in California?
- Judicial law clerk salaries in California range from $59,620 at the lower end to $90,680 at the higher end, depending on experience and specific circumstances.
How many judicial law clerks are employed in California?
- There are approximately 1,800 judicial law clerks currently employed in California.
Is a judicial law clerk salary in California better than the national average?
- Yes, California's median judicial law clerk salary of $79,030 per year is 17.1% above the national average, making it a more competitive market for this role.