1

Judge Jobs in Arizona (NOW HIRING)

Job Type Unclassified - Judicial Department D800 Superior Court About the Position Judge Joseph Mikitish seeks a Courtroom Assistant in the Family Court Division. The Courtroom Assistant provides ...

Job Type Unclassified - Judicial Department D800 Superior Court About the Position Judge Peter Thompson seeks a Courtroom Assistant in the Juvenile Court Division. The Courtroom Assistant provides ...

Job Type Unclassified - Judicial Department D800 Superior Court About the Position Judge Joshua Whitaker seeks a Courtroom Assistant in the Family Court Division. The Courtroom Assistant provides ...

Showing results 21-40

Judge information

See Arizona salary details

$5

$30

$80

How much do judge jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for judge in Arizona is $30.48, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.70 and $33.37 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a judge?

Judges are legal professionals who preside over court proceedings, interpret and apply the law, and ensure that trials and hearings are conducted fairly. Their responsibilities include making rulings on legal matters, instructing juries, and sometimes determining the outcome of cases. Judges may work in various courts, such as criminal, civil, family, or appellate courts, depending on their area of expertise and jurisdiction. They play a crucial role in upholding the rule of law and maintaining justice within the legal system.

What does a judge do?

As a judge, you can work in the state, local, or federal courts. In the courtroom, your responsibilities include overseeing the proceedings, managing the legal process, enforcing the rules of the court, ensuring that evidence is relevant to the proceedings, determining if lawyers’ requests during trials or hearings are viable, and helping to prevent jury tampering during a case. Outside the courtroom, your duties often involve performing research to help you make sound decisions in court. You evaluate and read the evidence, records, testimony, and motions that are relevant to the cases that you are presiding over.

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

To thrive as a Judge, you need a Juris Doctor (JD) degree, extensive legal experience, and a deep understanding of the law and judicial procedures. Familiarity with legal research databases, case management systems, and courtroom technology is typically required. Outstanding critical thinking, impartiality, and strong communication skills set exceptional judges apart. These competencies ensure fair, efficient, and well-reasoned judicial decisions that uphold the integrity of the legal system.

What are some common challenges judges face in managing their courtroom and caseload?

Judges often face the challenge of balancing a high volume of cases while ensuring each receives thorough and fair consideration. Managing courtroom proceedings efficiently requires strong organizational skills, decisiveness, and the ability to handle unexpected developments, such as last-minute evidence or uncooperative parties. Additionally, judges must maintain impartiality and control over the courtroom atmosphere, even in emotionally charged or complex cases. Effective communication with attorneys, clerks, and other court staff is also essential to keep proceedings on track.

What is the difference between Judge vs Magistrate?

AspectJudgeMagistrate
CredentialsLegal degree, bar admission, judicial appointmentLegal degree, bar admission, often appointed or elected
Work EnvironmentCourts of general jurisdiction, handling serious civil/criminal casesLower courts, handling minor criminal cases, preliminary hearings, and misdemeanors
Industry UsageUsed across federal, state, and local courtsPrimarily in local and lower courts
Common Search/ComparisonJudgeMagistrate

Judges and magistrates both preside over court proceedings, but judges typically handle more complex and serious cases in higher courts, requiring extensive experience and credentials. Magistrates usually work in lower courts, managing preliminary matters and minor offenses. While both roles require legal qualifications, judges often have broader authority and responsibilities within the judicial system.

Can I be a judge without a degree?

Becoming a judge typically requires a law degree and extensive legal experience, as judges are usually licensed attorneys. Requirements vary by jurisdiction, but most courts mandate a law degree and passing the bar exam before appointment or election to the bench.

Is it hard to get a job as a judge?

Securing a job as a judge is highly competitive and requires extensive legal experience, typically including many years as a practicing attorney or legal professional. Candidates often need to be appointed or elected, and must demonstrate strong legal knowledge, integrity, and often political support or community recognition.

What are related careers to a judge?

Related careers to a judge include magistrates, magistrate judges, legal analysts, and court administrators. These roles often require a background in law, strong decision-making skills, and knowledge of legal procedures. Many of these positions involve working within the judicial or legal system and may require relevant certifications or experience.

Which degree is best for a judge?

A judge typically needs a Juris Doctor (JD) degree from an accredited law school. After earning the degree, candidates must pass the state bar exam and gain legal experience before being appointed or elected to a judgeship. Strong knowledge of law, analytical skills, and courtroom experience are essential for the role.

What are the most commonly searched types of Judge jobs in Arizona?

The most popular types of Judge jobs in Arizona are:

What cities in Arizona are hiring for Judge jobs?

Cities in Arizona with the most Judge job openings:

Infographic showing various Judge job openings in Arizona as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 83% Full Time, 12% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $63,407 per year, or $30.5 per hour.

Justice Judge Pro Tempore (Part-Time)

Yuma County

Yuma, AZ

$67.30/hr

Temporary

Retirement

Re-posted 15 days ago


Job description

Job Summary This position would be temporary, part-time, on-call, at-will. The person selected for this position will be appointed by Superior Court Presiding Judge and serves at the pleasure of the presiding judge. This position would provide services to all the Justice Precinct Courts in Yuma County.

Nature of Work (Illustrative Only) The following duties ARE NOT intended to serve as a comprehensive list of all duties performed by all employees in this classification. Shown are duties intended to provide a representative summary of the major duties and responsibilities. Incumbent(s) may not be required to perform all duties listed and may be required to perform additional, position-specific duties Experience and Education Applicants for Justice of the Peace must possess the qualifications established by Arizona Supreme Court Administrative Order #2004-101 and Yuma County Superior Court Administrative Order #2020-22, i.e

the applicant must: Be a citizen of the United States and a resident of Arizona for not less than one year preceding their appointment. Be of good moral character. Be a practicing or retired attorney in Arizona in good standing for 3 years or have experience in a judicial capacity.

Make application using the approved county application form; complete the application; and provide a resume which describes relevant aspects of your personal and professional background, qualifications, experience and other information relevant to the position; and in addition, provide three (3) professional and three (3) personal references. Be willing to work weekends and holidays for initial appearances. Abide by the Arizona Code of Judicial Conduct in all respects.

SALARY: Salary of the Justice of the Peace Pro Tempore is the same as the Justice of the Peace of Yuma Precinct #1 and the position is NOT eligible for participation in the Arizona State Retirement System. Knowledge, Skills and Abilities EOE/AA/ADAAA/M/F/V/D DRUG FREE WORKPLACE