Judicial Law Clerk Salary in California
Based on 2K+ workers in California
Median Annual Salary (CA)
$79,030
$38.00/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 |
Top-Paying Industries for Judicial Law Clerk (U.S.)
Which industries pay Judicial Law Clerks the most — nationwide figures (industry-level data is not available by state). Judicial Law Clerks in California tend to follow these industry patterns.
| Industry (U.S.) | Median Salary | Employed (U.S.) |
|---|---|---|
| Government (excl. schools, hospitals & USPS) | $64,920 | 13K |
Source: U.S. BLS OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures (not state-specific).
Historical Salary Trend — Judicial Law Clerk in California vs National
| Year | Median Salary (California) |
|---|---|
| 2023 | $66,590 |
| 2024 | $76,410 |
| 2025 | $79,030 |
| 2026 (projected) | $81,740 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | California Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | $66,590 | $60,544 |
| 2024 | $76,410 | $61,522 |
| 2025 | $79,030 | $67,463 |
| 2026 (projected) | $81,740 | $69,776 |
Judicial Law Clerk Salary by Experience Level in California
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $65,740 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $79,030 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $82,200 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $90,680 |
Judicial Law Clerk Salary in Other States
Related Judicial Law Clerk Salaries in California
How other high-demand occupations in California compare to Judicial Law Clerk ($79,030 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Judicial Law Clerk | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lawyer in CA | $195,080 | +146.8% | $93.79/hr |
| Paralegal in CA | $77,390 | -2.1% | $37.21/hr |
| Title Examiner in CA | $67,230 | -14.9% | $32.32/hr |
| Social Worker in CA | $79,000 | -0.0% | $37.98/hr |
| Computer Network Support Specialist in CA | $79,190 | +0.2% | $38.07/hr |
| Computer User Support Specialist in CA | $79,570 | +0.7% | $38.25/hr |
| Securities Sales Agent in CA | $79,730 | +0.9% | $38.33/hr |
| Licensed Practical Nurse in CA | $79,750 | +0.9% | $38.34/hr |
| Interior Designer in CA | $80,230 | +1.5% | $38.57/hr |
| Real Estate Broker in CA | $80,450 | +1.8% | $38.68/hr |
| Tax Examiner in CA | $80,810 | +2.3% | $38.85/hr |
| Property and Real Estate Manager in CA | $77,030 | -2.5% | $37.03/hr |
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.