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Magistrate Judge Jobs (NOW HIRING)

United States Courts

U.S. Magistrate Judge

Florence, SC · On-site

$207 - $253/hr

S. Magistrate Judge for the District of South Carolina at Florence, South Carolina, until Friday, Sept. 4, 2026. The duty station for this position will be in Florence, and the selected applicant ...

BWLNC

New Job Posting - Magistrate Clerk

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$60 - $90/hr

Magistrate Judge. Position is located in Los Angeles, CA. The United States District Court, Central District of California, invites applications for the position of Term Law Clerk to the Honorable ...

New

BWLNC

$60 - $90/hr

Magistrate Judge. Position is located in Los Angeles, CA. The United States District Court, Central District of California, invites applications for the position of Term Law Clerk to the Honorable ...

New

McLennan County (TX)

ASSOCIATE JUDGE

Waco, TX

$115K - $145K/yr

The Jail Magistrate Judge is also responsible for maintaining appropriate activity records and ... providing an annual report to the Board of Criminal Judges regarding the operation and workload of ...

New

Colorado Judicial Branch

$157 - $192/hr

Work assignments are designated by the Chief Judge of the judicial district and can require ... The Magistrate position reports to the Chief Judge of the Judicial District and is not an elected ...

Posted today

Colorado Judicial Branch

Magistrate - Part-Time

Boulder, CO · On-site

$157 - $192/hr

Work assignments are designated by the Chief Judge of the judicial district and can require ... The Magistrate position reports to the Chief Judge of the Judicial District and is not an elected ...

Posted today

United States Courts

Term Law Clerk

Pensacola, FL · On-site

$65 - $90/hr

S. Chief Magistrate Judge Michael Frank. A law clerk is responsible for providing legal assistance to the judge. The duties of this job will include managing civil and criminal cases, researching ...

New

United States Courts

Term Law Clerk

Oklahoma City, OK · On-site

$65 - $90/hr

Overview of the Position Magistrate Judge Amanda Maxfield invites applications for the position of a one-year term law clerk beginning in August 2027 with the possibility of extension (not to exceed ...

New

City of Forney

Municipal Judge

Forney, TX · On-site

The Municipal Judge serves as the Court's magistrate and is responsible for ensuring cases are handled fairly, professionally, efficiently, and in accordance with Texas law. Examples of Duties What ...

City of Forney, TX

Municipal Judge

TX · On-site

The Municipal Judge serves as the Court's magistrate and is responsible for ensuring cases are handled fairly, professionally, efficiently, and in accordance with Texas law. Examples of Duties What ...

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$33K

$95.5K

$212.5K

How much do magistrate judge jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 4, 2026, the average yearly pay for magistrate judge 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 a magistrate judge?

Magistrate Judges are judicial officers who assist district judges in the federal court system by handling a variety of matters, such as preliminary hearings, pretrial motions, and sometimes misdemeanor cases. They are appointed by district judges and serve eight-year terms, with the possibility of reappointment. Magistrate Judges help manage the court’s caseload and ensure efficient proceedings, but they generally do not preside over felony criminal trials or major civil cases unless all parties consent. Their role is essential to the smooth operation of federal courts.

How does a magistrate judge typically collaborate with district judges and court staff during case proceedings?

Magistrate Judges work closely with district judges and court staff to ensure the efficient handling of cases. They often handle preliminary matters such as pretrial motions, discovery disputes, and settlement conferences, which allows district judges to focus on trials and more complex cases. Regular communication and coordination are essential, as Magistrate Judges may make recommendations or rulings that district judges review. Additionally, they rely on clerks, legal assistants, and other court personnel to manage caseloads and maintain accurate records, fostering a collaborative environment within the courthouse.

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

To thrive as a Magistrate Judge, you need a Juris Doctor (JD) degree, bar admission, significant legal experience, and a deep understanding of federal or state laws and court procedures. Familiarity with legal research tools, electronic case management systems, and courtroom technology is essential. Integrity, impartiality, strong analytical thinking, and effective communication skills help set standout judges apart. These competencies ensure fair and efficient administration of justice and help maintain public confidence in the judicial system.

What is the difference between Magistrate Judge vs District Judge?

AspectMagistrate JudgeDistrict Judge
Required CredentialsJuris Doctor (JD), often with federal clerkship experienceJuris Doctor (JD), extensive legal experience, often with prior judicial or senior legal roles
Work EnvironmentAssist district courts, handle pretrial matters, and minor casesPreside over major civil and criminal trials, make rulings, and issue judgments
Employer & Industry UsageFederal courts, appointed by district judgesFederal courts, appointed by the President and confirmed by Senate

Magistrate Judges support district courts by managing preliminary proceedings and minor cases, requiring legal credentials similar to District Judges but with less authority. District Judges handle full trials and make final rulings, often with more extensive experience and authority.

What are some of the jobs of a magistrate judge?

A magistrate judge handles pretrial motions, conducts preliminary hearings, issues warrants, and oversees certain cases such as misdemeanors and civil matters. They assist district judges by managing preliminary proceedings and often work in a courtroom environment requiring knowledge of legal procedures and courtroom technology.

Why work for a magistrate judge?

Working as a magistrate judge offers the opportunity to handle a variety of federal cases, assist district judges, and gain courtroom experience. The role typically requires strong legal knowledge, good judgment, and adherence to judicial procedures, often with a structured schedule and opportunities for professional development.
More about Magistrate Judge jobs

What cities are hiring for Magistrate Judge jobs?

Cities with the most Magistrate Judge job openings:

What states have the most Magistrate Judge jobs?

States with the most job openings for Magistrate Judge jobs include:

What job categories do people searching Magistrate Judge jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Magistrate Judge jobs are:

Magistrate Judge jobs near you
Infographic showing various Magistrate Judge job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 83% Full Time, 13% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $95,503 per year, or $45.9 per hour.

U.S. Magistrate Judge

United States Courts

Florence, SC • On-site

$207 - $253/hr

Other

Posted 17 days ago

United States Courts rating

7.5

Company rating: 7.5 out of 10

Based on 17 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

546th of 855 rated public administrative organizations

Job description

Overview of the Position The U.S. District Court will receive applications for the position of full-time U.S. Magistrate Judge for the District of South Carolina at Florence, South Carolina, until Friday, Sept. 4, 2026. The duty station for this position will be in Florence, and the selected applicant will be required to reside in the Florence division. The annual salary of a U.S. Magistrate Judge is $229,908. The term of office is eight years.

The duties of the position are demanding and wide-ranging and will include the following:

  • Conducting most preliminary proceedings in criminal cases
  • Trying and disposing of misdemeanor cases
  • Conducting various pretrial matters and evidentiary proceedings on delegation from the judges of the district court
  • Trying and disposing of civil cases upon consent of the litigants

This position requires extensive research and writing. The basic authority of a U.S. magistrate judge is specified in 28 U.S.C. § 636.

The federal Judiciary is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer.

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