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Judge Jobs in Minnesota (NOW HIRING)

Election Judges are essential to our democracy! Election judges staff polling places, administer election procedures, and ensure the rights of voters are protected on Election Day. The city needs ...

Election Judge

Shakopee, MN · On-site

$12 - $15/hr

Election Judge Opening Date: 06/18/2026 Closing Date: 10/1/2026 11:59 PM Central Summary Note: Please only complete this application if you are a new Election Judge with the City of Shakopee. The ...

Election Judge

Farmington, MN · On-site

$13.50 - $15/hr

2026 Election Judge Application The City of Farmington is now accepting applications for Election Judges and Head Election Judges. Election Judge wage is $13.50 per hour. Head Election Judge wage is ...

Election Judge

Bloomington, MN · On-site

$14 - $17/hr

Election judges play a critical role in our democracy. As an election judge, you are responsible for administering election procedures at the polling place. This is a great opportunity to serve your ...

Election Judge

Elk River, MN · On-site

$18/hr

Election Judges are essential to our democracy! Election judges staff polling places, administer election procedures, and ensure the rights of voters are protected on Election Day. The city needs ...

Election Judge

Minneapolis, MN · On-site

$14 - $17/hr

Election judges play a critical role in our democracy. As an election judge, you are responsible for administering election procedures at the polling place. This is a great opportunity to serve your ...

Election judges perform various functions to ensure the voting process runs smoothly on Election Day. Our upcoming elections are the State Primary Election on August 11, 2026, and the General ...

Election Judge

MN · On-site

$14 - $16/hr

Essential Job Functions Election Judges are responsible for the administration of election procedures in each precinct on each Election Day. Serving as an Election Judge is an opportunity to give ...

Election Judge

Farmington, MN · On-site

$13.50 - $15/hr

Head Election Judge wage is $15.00 per hour As an Election Judge you will be responsible for: * Reporting to work at the assigned time * Provide professional, courteous, and respectful service ...

Election Judge Location: Pine County Courthouse Union: Non-Union Status: Temporary, Non-Exempt GENERAL DEFINITION OF WORK Performs basic work serving as a certified election judge serving on the ...

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Judge information

See Minnesota salary details

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How much do judge jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 31, 2026, the average hourly pay for judge in Minnesota is $30.51, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.71 and $33.40 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 Minnesota?

The most popular types of Judge jobs in Minnesota are:

What cities in Minnesota are hiring for Judge jobs?

Cities in Minnesota with the most Judge job openings:

Infographic showing various Judge job openings in Minnesota as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 83% Full Time, 10% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $63,455 per year, or $30.5 per hour.
City of Elk River
Public Administration • 51 - 200 employees

$18/hr

Part-time

Re-posted 8 days ago


Job description

**Communication for this position will be through email. You will receive an email shortly after you complete your application. If you do not receive this email, check your spam/junk folder. If the email is there, mark it as not spam (or however this works through your email provider) so that you can stay informed as we go through the hiring process. Emails provided by and hidden through Indeed will not work with our system and you will not receive responses. Please apply with your normal email address.**

Election Judges are essential to our democracy! Election judges staff polling places, administer election procedures, and ensure the rights of voters are protected on Election Day. The city needs elections judges for both the 2026 Primary Election on Tuesday, August 11, 2026 and the 2026 General Election, Tuesday, November 3, 2026. Pay is $14.00 per hour. If you are interested in serving, please complete the online application.

The City of Elk River is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
If you require accommodation with the application process please call 763.635.1000.

To be eligible, candidates must:

  • Be eligible to vote.
  • Be able to read, write, and speak English.
  • Not be a spouse, parent, child, or sibling of a candidate on the ballot in the same precinct.
  • Complete mandatory election judge training. A link to the training will be emailed to you.
  • Pay is $14.00 per hour for Election Judge and $18 per hour for Head Judge.

Training and service on the election days are paid.

*** Please note: It is not necessary for you to complete work history on this application.  If the system requires you to enter something, you can just type NA. ***
The email you provide will be used for sending training and other election information.  Please make sure you provide an email that you check often.