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Federal Magistrate Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Magistrate

Wilson, NC · On-site

$47K - $63K/yr

Agency District Court Division Job Classification Title Magistrate (NS) Position Number 60006150 ... federal constitutions. Consider an exciting and rewarding career with us and join the more than 7 ...

$130K - $197K/yr

Oversees all aspects of the base United States Federal Magistrate's Court program; performs duties as the senior prosecuting attorney for all offenses within the jurisdiction of the Magistrate ...

Security Police Officer

New Orleans, LA · On-site

$16.25 - $20.50/hr

Summary The Security Police Officer is an armed officer, who has successfully completed the required NASA training, with NASA Federal arrest authority and Federal Magistrate Training, whose primary ...

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Federal Magistrate information

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$33K

$95.5K

$212.5K

How much do federal magistrate jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 28, 2026, the average yearly pay for federal magistrate in the United States is $95,503.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $48,000.00 and $142,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Federal Magistrate vs U.S. Magistrate Judge?

AspectFederal MagistrateU.S. Magistrate Judge
CredentialsTypically requires a law degree and legal experience; appointment by district judgesRequires a law degree, legal experience, and appointment by district judges; often involves more formal judicial responsibilities
Work EnvironmentAssists district judges in pretrial matters, hearings, and minor casesHears cases, conducts trials, and issues rulings under district court supervision
Employer/Industry UsagePart of federal district courts, assisting in case managementPart of federal district courts, with judicial authority to decide cases

While both roles support federal district courts, U.S. Magistrate Judges have broader judicial authority and conduct trials, whereas Federal Magistrates primarily assist with pretrial and minor matters.

What are some common challenges faced by Federal Magistrates in managing their caseloads?

Federal Magistrates often handle a high volume of cases, ranging from pretrial motions to preliminary hearings and settlement conferences. Balancing these diverse responsibilities while ensuring timely and thorough review of documents can be challenging. Effective time management and strong organizational skills are essential, as magistrates frequently collaborate with district judges, attorneys, and court staff to keep proceedings on track and uphold procedural fairness. Staying updated on changes in federal law and court procedures is also crucial to effectively navigate complex cases.

What are Federal Magistrates?

Federal Magistrates, officially known as United States Magistrate Judges, are judicial officers who assist district court judges in the federal court system. They handle a variety of tasks, including overseeing preliminary proceedings in criminal cases, issuing warrants, conducting pretrial motions, and sometimes presiding over civil cases with the consent of the parties involved. Magistrate judges help manage the court's workload and ensure that cases move efficiently through the justice system. Their authority is granted by statute, and they are appointed by district judges for renewable terms of eight years.

What's the difference between a federal judge and a magistrate judge?

A federal magistrate judge assists federal district judges by handling preliminary matters, issuing warrants, and presiding over some cases with the judge's approval. Federal judges are appointed for life, handle more complex and high-profile cases, and have broader authority to preside over trials and make rulings. Magistrate judges typically serve fixed terms and focus on procedural and minor matters within the federal court system.

How to become a federal magistrate?

To become a federal magistrate, candidates typically need a law degree, substantial legal experience, and must be appointed by a federal district court judge. Applicants often undergo a competitive selection process that includes background checks and interviews, and they must be confirmed by the U.S. Senate. Strong legal knowledge, courtroom experience, and adherence to ethical standards are essential for this role.

What are the jobs of the federal magistrates?

Federal magistrates assist district judges by handling pretrial motions, issuing warrants, and managing preliminary proceedings in federal cases. They also conduct hearings, trials, and settlement conferences, often with the authority to impose sentences in misdemeanor cases. Strong legal knowledge, courtroom skills, and familiarity with federal procedures are essential for this role.

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

To thrive as a Federal Magistrate, you need a law degree, substantial legal experience, and a deep understanding of federal laws and procedures. Familiarity with case management systems, electronic filing, and legal research databases like Westlaw or LexisNexis is typically required. Excellent judgment, impartiality, strong written and verbal communication, and the ability to manage complex cases make someone stand out in this role. These skills ensure fair, efficient administration of justice and uphold public trust in the federal court system.

How hard is it to become a federal district judge?

Becoming a federal district judge is highly competitive and requires extensive legal experience, typically including many years as a practicing attorney or in a judicial role. Candidates often need strong legal credentials, a good reputation, and are usually appointed by the President and confirmed by the Senate, making the process challenging and selective.
More about Federal Magistrate jobs
What cities are hiring for Federal Magistrate jobs? Cities with the most Federal Magistrate job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Federal Magistrate jobs? The most popular types of Federal Magistrate jobs are:
Infographic showing various Federal Magistrate job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 3% Locum Tenens, 13% Internship, 40% Temporary, and 44% Nights. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $95,503 per year, or $45.9 per hour.
Magistrate

$47K - $63K/yr

Full-time

Posted 12 days ago


State Of North Carolina rating

7.3

Company rating: 7.3 out of 10

Based on 79 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

35th of 50 rated states


Job description

Agency
District Court
Division
Job Classification Title
Magistrate (NS)
Position Number
60006150
Grade
JM45
About Us
DO YOUR CAREER JUSTICE! Each and every day, North Carolina's courts help provide safety for our communities, prosperity for our economy, and protection for the rights, liberties, and freedoms that sit at the foundation of our state and federal constitutions. Consider an exciting and rewarding career with us and join the more than 7,000 elected officials and employees who make up our workforce and help us ensure that justice is administrated without favor, denial, or delay.
Description of Work
Salary Range: $47,228.00 - $63,228.00
Magistrates are judicial officials who evaluate requests for criminal charges and issue criminal process and search warrants. In addition, magistrates conduct initial appearances, including bond hearings, for defendants upon arrest. Magistrates preside over Small Claims Court hearings and marriage ceremonies. Must be able to work irregular hours including nights, weekends, and holidays. The person in this full time position will serve as an officer of district court in accordance with NC General Statutes §7A 170-179.
The Clerk of Superior Court, in his/her sole discretion, nominates person(s) to be considered for appointment to the position of magistrate to the Senior Resident Superior Court Judge. The Senior Resident Superior Court Judge, in his/her sole discretion, appoints magistrate(s) to an initial two-year term. The Chief District Court Judge determines magistrates' work schedules.
Entry rate of pay commensurate with prior experience as a Magistrate; $63,228.00 is the entry rate of pay for a Magistrate with an active law license from any state.
Knowledge Skills and Abilities/Management Preferences
Individuals most suited for magistrate positions possess the ability to exercise sound judgment and to make decisions, are proficient at general office and computer skills, understand North Carolina Court Systems procedures, are team players with the ability to work under pressure, and have the ability to communicate effectively with the general public.
Supplemental and Contact Information
INSTRUCTIONS:
Applicants must complete an on-line application by clicking the above APPLY link. Mailed or faxed applications will not be accepted.
It is important your application includes all of your relevant education and work experience and that you answer all questions associated with the application to receive proper credit. Résumés are not accepted in lieu of fully completed applications.
*NOTE* Many job postings require certain documents be attached to an application. Verify your application is complete and uploaded documents are attached to your application before submitting it. Applications may not be altered after they have been submitted.
All NC Judicial Branch agencies are Equal Opportunity Employers.
The North Carolina Judicial Branch participates in E-Verify, an internet-based system that compares information from an employee's Form I-9, Employment Eligibility Verification, to data from the US Department of Homeland Security and Social Security Administration records to confirm employment eligibility.
Charmaine Leeks
NC Administrative Office of the Courts
Human Resources Division
https://www.nccourts.gov/about/about-judicial-branch/careers
Minimum Education and Experience
Some state job postings say you can qualify by an "equivalent combination of education and experience." If that language appears below, then you may qualify through EITHER years of education OR years of directly related experience, OR a combination of both. See the Education and Experience Equivalency Guide for details.
Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university; or eight years as a law enforcement officer in NC; or an associate degree and four years of work experience in a related field. Related fields include: teaching, social services, law enforcement, arbitration or mediation, the court system, or counseling.
Magistrates are statutorily required to live in the county the magistrate position serves at the time of nomination or a contiguous county (touching along a boundary or a point). See a map of North Carolina counties to determine if your county of residence meets statutory requirements. You MUST be a resident of Wilson County or one of its contiguous counties to be eligible for this position.
Attach cover letter and résumé.
EEO Statement
The State of North Carolina is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer and dedicated to providing employees with a work environment free from all forms of unlawful employment discrimination, harassment, or retaliation. The state provides reasonable accommodation to employees and applicants with disabilities; known limitations related to pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions; and for religious beliefs, observances, and practices.
Recruiter:
Charmaine James Leeks
Email:
HumanResources@nccourts.org

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About State of North Carolina

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

The State of North Carolina is not a traditional company, but rather the governmental body serving the state. From its base in Raleigh, North Carolina, USA, this body provides a broad variety of public services, ranging from education and healthcare to taxation and conservation. Originally established when the region first became a state in 1789, the government of North Carolina has been dedicated to the service of its residents ever since. Its website, nc.gov, provides a portal through which the public can access information and services. The core mission of the body is to ensure the welfare, safety, and prosperity of North Carolina's citizens.

Industry

Public administration

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Raleigh, NC, US

Year founded

1789