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County Court Judge Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Court Reporter

Truckee, CA · On-site

$59K - $72K/yr

Time will be divided between Nevada County and Placer County, with 20 hours per week at Nevada ... Errors in work or judgment could result in inefficient operations of the court, improper and ...

Court Bailiff (CD)

Hanover, VA · On-site

$61K - $85K/yr

Knowledge of the geography of the County, required. Ability to exercise tact and judgment in handling visitors of the court and in maintaining the behavior of prisoners. Ability to follow oral and ...

Court Commissioner

Fresno, CA · On-site

$208K/yr

Typical Tasks 1. Act as a temporary judge in Superior Court cases pursuant to stipulation of ... The Superior Court of California, County of Fresno is an equal opportunity employer and is ...

Court Commissioner

Fresno, CA · On-site

$208K/yr

May act as a judge pro-tem in such matters, or as a commissioner making findings and ... The Superior Court of California, County of Fresno is an equal opportunity employer and is ...

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County Court Judge information

See salary details

$43K

$96.5K

$197K

How much do county court judge jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 10, 2026, the average yearly pay for county court judge in the United States is $96,542.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $51,500.00 and $141,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a county court judge?

County Court Judges are judicial officers who preside over cases in county courts, which are typically trial courts of limited jurisdiction within a state's judicial system. They handle a variety of cases, such as misdemeanor criminal cases, small claims, civil disputes, traffic violations, and preliminary hearings in more serious criminal matters. County Court Judges ensure that legal proceedings are conducted fairly and according to the law, issue rulings, and may also oversee jury trials. Their specific duties and the types of cases they handle can vary depending on the state and the county's size. They play a vital role in the local judicial system by helping to resolve legal disputes efficiently and impartially.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a county court judge, and why are they important?

To thrive as a County Court Judge, you need a law degree, extensive legal practice experience, and a deep understanding of local, state, and federal laws. Familiarity with case management systems, legal research databases, and courtroom technology is essential. Strong impartiality, critical thinking, decisiveness, and effective communication set outstanding judges apart. These skills ensure fair, efficient adjudication and uphold public trust in the judicial process.

What are some common challenges faced by county court judges in managing their caseloads?

County Court Judges often manage a high volume of cases, which can present challenges in balancing efficiency with fairness. They must prioritize cases, make timely decisions, and ensure all parties receive a fair hearing. Judges also need to stay current with changes in laws and procedures, and often work closely with clerks, attorneys, and law enforcement to coordinate courtroom activities. Effective time management, strong organizational skills, and the ability to remain impartial under pressure are essential to succeed in this role.

What is the difference between County Court Judge vs Magistrate?

AspectCounty Court JudgeMagistrate
CredentialsLegal degree, extensive legal experience, judicial appointmentLayperson or legally trained, often with specific training
Work EnvironmentCounty courts, handling civil and criminal casesMagistrates' courts, handling minor criminal cases and preliminary hearings
Employer/IndustryJudicial system, governmentJudicial system, local government
Case TypesSerious civil and criminal casesMinor criminal cases, preliminary hearings

In summary, County Court Judges typically have more extensive legal credentials and handle more serious civil and criminal cases in county courts. Magistrates are often laypersons or minimally trained legal professionals who focus on minor cases and preliminary hearings. Both roles are essential within the judicial system but differ in experience requirements and case complexity.

What cities are hiring for County Court Judge jobs?

Cities with the most County Court Judge job openings:

What states have the most County Court Judge jobs?

States with the most job openings for County Court Judge jobs include:

What are popular job titles related to County Court Judge jobs?

For County Court Judge jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Court Reporter

Truckee, CA • On-site

$59K - $72K/yr

Part-time

PTO

Re-posted 17 days ago


Job description

This position is a 0.75 FTE or 30 hours per week. Time will be divided between Nevada County and Placer County, with 20 hours per week at Nevada County Truckee Courthouse, and on occasion the Nevada City Courthouse, and 10 hours per week at the Placer County Courthouse in Tahoe City. Salary information has been adjusted to reflect the 0.75 FTE status. Benefits and paid leave, if eligible, do not reflect adjustment and will be prorated based on the 0.75 FTE status.


Court Mission & Guiding Pillars 

The mission of the Nevada County Superior Court is to ensure fair and equal access to justice, inspire trust and confidence in the court, and to treat everyone with dignity and respect. 

To achieve this mission, the court has three guiding pillars: 

Operational Excellence is embracing a mindset of continual improvement, project management, and high standards of work to enhance our professionalism, efficiency, and effectiveness. 

Culture of Service is cultivating an environment to support one another and serve the community, fostering a sense of connection and shared commitment. 

Cybersecurity is safeguarding our ability to serve as a trusted organization in the virtual realm, ensuring the security and integrity of our connections with partners and the public. 

Classification Definition 

Under general direction, records and transcribes verbatim stenographic accounts of official court proceedings; prepares certified transcripts of the proceedings; maintains records of transcript orders and billing; tracks and prioritizes submission by transcript due dates; performs related work as required.  

Distinguishing Characteristics 

Incumbents work under general supervision to perform duties that are well defined and in accordance with preestablished policies, procedures and standards. Incumbents must maintain confidentiality and must use sound judgment in performing court-related duties. Errors in work or judgment could result in inefficient operations of the court, improper and incorrect recording of legal proceedings and could affect the outcomes of a trial or appeal. Incumbents have no responsibility for leading or supervising the work of others. 

Essential Duties 

  • Records and reports verbatim testimony and court proceedings utilizing accepted methods of machine shorthand.
  • Researches and reviews planned calendars of court proceedings; coordinates and ensures coverage; identifies and addresses potential scheduling conflicts; informs and alerts judges, clerks and Court administrators.  
  • Prepares and reads back all or portions of the official court proceedings upon instruction from the judge. 
  • Prepares certified transcripts of proceedings. 
  • Prioritizes requests for transcripts in order to meet legal deadlines. 
  • Prepares printed and/or magnetic media transcripts using computer-aided transcription software. 
  • Organizes, maintains and destroys a variety of electronic and paper files. 
  • Keeps accurate records related to files, storage and billing. 
  • Obtains and pays for supplies and maintenance of reporter’s own equipment. 
  • Uses reference materials for accurate spelling of medical, technical and other specialized vocabulary. 
  • Maintains current knowledge of regulations related to court reporting; 
  • Performs other duties as required.  

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities 

Knowledge of: 

  • Applicable federal, state and local laws, regulations, statutes and rules relating to court reporting services. 
  • Knowledge of complex legal, medical, technical and administrative terminology and procedures. 
  • Court procedures and protocol.   
  • Correct English usage, grammar, spelling, vocabulary and punctuation. 
  • Techniques and procedures for use of machine shorthand equipment. 

Ability to: 

  • Take machine shorthand at the speed and accuracy specified for licensing by the State of California.
  • Make a verbatim record of court proceedings, often of a technical nature.
  • Attend to and distinguish multiple voices.
  • Read back the record in open court.
  • Maintain confidentiality of sensitive information.
  • Understand and follow complex oral instructions.
  • Communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
  • Transcribe accurately from shorthand recordings.
  • Establish and maintain effective working relationships. 

Minimum Qualifications 

Education and Experience: 

Any combination of experience and education or training that is likely to provide the required knowledge and abilities.  A typical way to obtain the knowledge and skills outlined above would be:   

  • High School diploma or equivalent GED. 
  • Certification by the State of California as a Certified Shorthand Reporter or Certified Court Reporter; and  
  • Two years general reporting experience or one year in a trial court in the State of California.  

Additional Requirements: