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Court Commissioner Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Court Commissioners will perform subordinate judicial duties as authorized by law on our contract cities expanding photo enforcement tickets, focusing on conducting hearings, making findings, and ...

SC Court Commissioner

Yakima, WA · On-site

$102.75/hr

PT SC Court Commissioner-H Regular Non-Exempt (eligible for overtime) Overview: Hourly: $102.75 (SC Court Commissioner Pay Plan) There is one opening with the Yakima County Superior Court for a ...

Each Commissioner is appointed by and responsible to the full complement of District Court Judges and may be assigned to hear other matters such as Child Support, Juvenile Delinquency and Dependency ...

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Court Commissioner information

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$11K

$197.5K

How much do court commissioner jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 1, 2026, the average yearly pay for court commissioner in the United States is $196,509.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $196,500.00 and $196,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by Court Commissioners and how can they effectively manage them?

Court Commissioners often encounter challenges such as high caseloads, emotionally charged hearings, and the need to make impartial decisions on complex legal matters. To manage these effectively, commissioners rely on strong organizational skills, ongoing legal education, and clear communication with attorneys, parties, and court staff. Collaborating closely with judges and administrative personnel also helps ensure procedural consistency and efficient case flow. Staying current with changes in laws and court procedures is essential for maintaining fairness and professionalism in their rulings.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Court Commissioner, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Court Commissioner, you need a strong background in law, courtroom procedures, and legal analysis, typically supported by a law degree and bar admission. Familiarity with case management systems, legal research databases, and courtroom technology is essential. Impartiality, strong decision-making, and effective communication are critical soft skills for managing hearings and ensuring fairness. These competencies ensure that legal proceedings are conducted efficiently, justly, and in accordance with established laws.

How much does a district court commissioner make?

A district court commissioner typically earns an annual salary ranging from $50,000 to $80,000, depending on experience and jurisdiction. Commissioners often handle preliminary hearings, bail hearings, and other judicial duties, requiring knowledge of legal procedures and sometimes certification or licensing.

How much does a court commissioner make?

In California, court commissioners typically earn between $80,000 and $150,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and workload. They often require legal certification and work in a courtroom environment, handling judicial duties under the supervision of a judge.

What court job pays the most?

The highest-paying court-related position is typically a federal or state judge, which requires extensive legal experience and often a judicial appointment or election. Among court staff, chief judges or court administrators may earn higher salaries, but judges generally have the top compensation in the judicial system.

What is a Court Commissioner?

A Court Commissioner is a judicial officer who assists judges by handling certain legal matters in court. They have authority to preside over specific types of cases, such as family law, small claims, probate, or preliminary criminal hearings, depending on the jurisdiction. Court Commissioners help manage the caseload by making rulings, conducting hearings, and issuing orders, although their decisions may sometimes be subject to review by a judge. Their role varies by state and court system, but they are appointed rather than elected and typically have legal training as attorneys.

What qualifications do you need to be a courtroom clerk?

Courtroom clerks typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, with some positions requiring post-secondary education or specialized training. Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and proficiency with court management software are important qualifications for the role.

What is the difference between Court Commissioner vs Court Clerk?

AspectCourt CommissionerCourt Clerk
Primary RoleHears cases, makes rulings, and presides over certain court proceedingsManages court records, schedules hearings, and assists with administrative tasks
Required CredentialsLegal background, often licensed attorneys or judicial officersHigh school diploma or equivalent; administrative or legal experience helpful
Work EnvironmentCourts, courtroom settings, presiding over casesCourt offices, administrative areas, supporting court operations
Employer & Industry UsageCourts, government judicial systemsCourts, government agencies, legal institutions

While both Court Commissioners and Court Clerks work within the judicial system, Court Commissioners primarily preside over cases and make legal rulings, often requiring legal credentials. Court Clerks handle administrative tasks like record-keeping and scheduling, focusing on court operations. Understanding these differences helps clarify their distinct roles within the judicial environment.

More about Court Commissioner jobs
What cities are hiring for Court Commissioner jobs? Cities with the most Court Commissioner job openings:
What states have the most Court Commissioner jobs? States with the most job openings for Court Commissioner jobs include:
Infographic showing various Court Commissioner job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Locum Tenens, 1% Internship, 82% Full Time, 12% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Nights. Highlights an 97% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $196,509 per year, or $94.5 per hour.

Court Commissioner

King County

Seattle, WA • On-site

$178K/yr

Other

Posted 16 days ago


King County (Washington) rating

8.6

Company rating: 8.6 out of 10

Based on 38 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

194th of 840 rated public administrative organizations


Job description

Summary "We are currently recruiting for two Court Commissioner positions, one full-time and one part-time. Priority consideration will be given to applications received by July 30, 2026." King County District Court Profile King County District Court ("KCDC") is the largest and most technologically advanced Court of Limited Jurisdiction in the State of Washington. It currently processes approximately 305,000 matters per year with 25 elected judges and roughly 260 employees at 8 courthouse locations

Thirteen cities contract with King County for court services provided by KCDC. Position Summary King County District Court is seeking applicants for two Court Commissioners. One full-time Court Commissioner at our Shoreline Courthouse, and one part-time Court Commissioner at our Bellevue Courthouse.

Court Commissioners will perform subordinate judicial duties as authorized by law on our contract cities expanding photo enforcement tickets, focusing on conducting hearings, making findings, and issuing orders. Court Commissioners are at-will and serve at the pleasure of the Court's Executive Committee. Experience, Qualifications, Knowledge, Skills Any person wishing to serve as a Court Commissioner must be a U.S

citizen and registered to vote in King County, as required by RCW 3.42.010. Pursuant to GR 29 (f) (12) and GR 29 (g), the eligibility of any person wishing to serve as a Court Commissioner shall be determined by the King County District Court Executive Committee. Any person wishing to serve as a Court Commissioner must be either an attorney and active member in good standing with the Washington State Bar Association or an attorney who has judicial status with the Washington State Bar Association AND must have a minimum of 5 years of criminal and/or civil infraction experience

Any person wishing to serve as a Court Commissioner shall be subject to a criminal, civil, and infraction history background check. Disqualifying Factors: Any person wishing to serve as a Court Commissioner shall be deemed ineligible for service if that person has ever been suspended or removed from the bench by the Washington State Commission on Judicial Conduct and/or the Washington State Supreme Court, or if that person has been convicted of any crime, whether a felony or a misdemeanor (a "conviction" is defined to include entry into a deferred prosecution, a stipulated order of continuance, or the imposition of a deferred sentence), within 10 years of the date of application for service. Any person wishing to serve as a Court Commissioner may be deemed ineligible for service if that person is currently subject to or has ever been subject to any form of discipline by the Washington State Commission on Judicial Conduct; that person has ever been subject to any form of discipline by the Washington State Bar Association, or that person has any criminal conviction with an offense date more than 10 years before the date of application for service.

Any person wishing to serve as a Court Commissioner may be deemed ineligible for service if that person has a significant infraction history. Any person wishing to serve as a Court Commissioner who has been subject to a court restraining order (including protection, anti-harassment, stalking or other no contact order, but not including an order only issued ex parte) less than 10 years before the date of application for service must disclose this information to the Chief Presiding Judge. Failure to notify the Chief Presiding Judge as set forth herein may render a Court Commissioner ineligible to serve.

All Court Commissioners shall immediately notify the Chief Presiding Judge if they become subject to any kind of disciplinary proceedings before the Commission on Judicial Conduct or the Washington State Bar Association, if they are arrested for, charged with, or convicted of a crime, or if they are a respondent to and subject to the restrictions of any protection, restraining, anti-harassment or stalking order, or civil arrest warrant. Failure to notify the Chief Presiding Judge as set forth herein may render a Court Commissioner ineligible to serve. If any person who is otherwise eligible to serve as a Court Commissioner has a case pending or appears as attorney of record in a particular King County District Courthouse, that person is disqualified from serving as a Court Commissioner in that courthouse.

If any member of an applicant's law firm has a case pending or appears as the attorney of record in a particular King County District Courthouse, that person is disqualified from serving as a Court Commissioner in that courthouse. Supplemental Information Selection process: Application materials will be screened for qualifications; the most competitive candidates will be invited for one or more panel interviews. Any employment offer will be contingent upon the results of a criminal, civil, CJC, and WSBA background investigation and finger printing.

Additional materials required: A resume and a cover letter or letter of interest summarizing how you meet the listed experience, knowledge, skills and abilities for this position. Physical Demands: While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit, talk, see, and/or hear, and use hands to finger, handle, or feel. The employee is occasionally required to stand, walk, reach with hands and arms, stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl, and move and/or lift up to 10 pounds.

The vision abilities required to perform this position include close vision. Working Conditions: Work is typically performed in an office environment with a moderate amount of noise (computers, printers, light traffic). This role routinely uses standard office equipment, including, but not limited to computers and keyboards.

Work schedule: Court Commissioners salary is based upon a 35-hourworkweek. Work locations: 18050 Meridian Ave N, Shoreline, WA 98133and1309 114thAve S.E., Bellevue, WA 98004. How to Apply You may apply directly through the NEOGOV online application system, or you may submit your application by email to DCHR@kingcounty.gov

A resume and cover letter are both required and must be included with your application. For more information regarding this position or application process, please contact: Marwan Alqaysi Human Resource Analyst malqaysi@kingcounty.gov Please include "Court Commissioner" within the subject line.


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About King County

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Forbes recently named King County as one of Washington State's best employers. Together, with leadership and our employees, we're changing the way government delivers service and winning national recognition as a model of excellence. Are you ready to make a difference? Come join the team dedicated to serving one of the nation's best places to live, work and play. Guided by our "True North", we are making King County a welcoming community where every person can thrive. We value diversity, inclusion and belonging in our workplace and workforce.

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Seattle, WA, US

Year founded

1852

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