Judicial Law Clerk Salary in Massachusetts
Based on 500+ workers in Massachusetts
Median Annual Salary (MA)
$143,350
$68.92/hr
vs National Average
$67,463
+112.5% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$82K – $143K
500 employed in Massachusetts
The judicial law clerk salary in Massachusetts averages $143,350 per year, significantly outpacing earnings in most other states. With approximately 500 judicial law clerks employed throughout Massachusetts, this position represents a well-compensated career path in the legal field. The state's median salary stands 112% above the national average, reflecting the region's robust legal market and cost of living.
Several factors influence judicial law clerk salary in Massachusetts, including the specific court level, judge's seniority, and years of professional experience. Geographic location within the state, educational credentials, and specialization in particular practice areas also play important roles in determining compensation. Additionally, market demand for qualified clerks and the state's strong legal infrastructure contribute to the competitive salary range of $82,210 to $143,350 annually.
Salary Distribution — Judicial Law Clerk in Massachusetts
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $82,210 |
| 25th percentile | $143,350 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $143,350 |
| 75th percentile | $143,350 |
| 90th percentile | $143,350 |
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 Massachusetts 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 Massachusetts vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Massachusetts) |
|---|---|
| 2023 | $59,260 |
| 2025 | $143,350 |
| 2026 (projected) | $151,951 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | Massachusetts Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | $59,260 | $60,544 |
| 2025 | $143,350 | $67,463 |
| 2026 (projected) | $151,951 | $71,511 |
Judicial Law Clerk Salary by Experience Level in Massachusetts
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $143,350 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $143,350 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $143,350 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $143,350 |
Judicial Law Clerk Salary in Other States
Related Judicial Law Clerk Salaries in Massachusetts
How other high-demand occupations in Massachusetts compare to Judicial Law Clerk ($143,350 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Judicial Law Clerk | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lawyer in MA | $176,680 | +23.3% | $84.94/hr |
| Paralegal in MA | $77,640 | -45.8% | $37.33/hr |
| Title Examiner in MA | $69,100 | -51.8% | $33.22/hr |
| Nurse Practitioner in MA | $142,440 | -0.6% | $68.48/hr |
| Physician Assistant in MA | $142,410 | -0.7% | $68.47/hr |
| Construction Manager in MA | $145,010 | +1.2% | $69.72/hr |
| Nuclear Engineer in MA | $145,760 | +1.7% | $70.08/hr |
| Veterinarian in MA | $140,260 | -2.2% | $67.43/hr |
| Industrial Production Manager in MA | $148,050 | +3.3% | $71.18/hr |
| Pharmacist in MA | $138,170 | -3.6% | $66.43/hr |
| Art Director in MA | $149,320 | +4.2% | $71.79/hr |
| Aerospace Engineer in MA | $149,470 | +4.3% | $71.86/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do judicial law clerks make in Massachusetts?
- The median salary for judicial law clerks in Massachusetts is $143,350 per year, or approximately $69 per hour. This is significantly higher than the national average, representing a 112.5% increase compared to judicial law clerks across the United States.
What is the salary range for a law clerk job in Massachusetts?
- Judicial law clerk salaries in Massachusetts range from $82,210 to $143,350 annually. This range reflects the variation based on factors such as experience, court level, and specific judicial assignments.
Is being a judicial law clerk in Massachusetts paid more than the national average?
- Yes, judicial law clerks in Massachusetts earn significantly more than the national average, with a median salary of $143,350 compared to the national average—representing a 112.5% premium. This makes Massachusetts one of the most lucrative states for this position.
How many judicial law clerks are employed in Massachusetts?
- There are approximately 500 judicial law clerks currently employed in Massachusetts. This represents the total workforce for this position across the state's court system.