⚖️ How much does a judge make in Japan?
Most U.S. judges earn about $46,950–$221,710 a year (the middle 80%); the median is $153,990. In 2026, Chief Justice John Roberts earns $320,700.
U.S. statistics group several kinds of judges; Japan's law sets monthly pay by rank, with bonuses and allowances on top.
Japan Most people, typical, the top
| Who | Yearly earnings | Based on |
|---|---|---|
| Lowest assistant-judge grade (base pay) | $22,104 | Statutory monthly rate ×12; bonuses and allowances excluded |
| Judge grades 8–1 (base pay) | $43,680–$97,920 | Statutory judge-grade monthly rates ×12 |
| Supreme Court Chief Justice (base pay) | $167,600 | Statutory monthly rate ×12; bonuses and allowances excluded |
Per month and per day
| Who | Per month | Per day (÷365) |
|---|---|---|
| Lowest assistant-judge grade (base pay) | $1,842 | $61 |
| Judge grades 8–1 (base pay) | $3,640–$8,160 | $120–$268 |
| Supreme Court Chief Justice (base pay) | $13,967 | $459 |
Where does the money come from?
- Monthly base pay: The law sets judges’ monthly base pay by rank, and it is paid each month. Source
- Bonuses and other pay: Judges may receive pay beyond base compensation under rules tied to their office. Source
- Conditional allowances: High court presidents may receive transfer or cold-region allowances in specified cases. Source
What famous judges make
| Who | Amount |
|---|---|
| ⚖️ Imasaki Yukihiko Chief Justice of Japan's Supreme Court | $167,600 (2026) The Chief Justice's salary is set by law, and Imasaki's yearly pay is about ¥25.14 million. |
| ⚖️ Hayashi Michiharu Justice of Japan's Supreme Court | $122,240 (2026) Supreme Court justices' pay is set by law; Hayashi earns about ¥18.34 million a year. |
How do you become a judge?
In Japan, finish law school or pass the preliminary exam, then pass the National Bar Examination. Complete at least one year of judicial training and its final exam; if appointed, you start as an assistant judge. Becoming a judge requires 10 or more years in qualifying work after training.
- Finish law school or pass the preliminary exam.
- Pass Japan’s National Bar Examination.
- Complete at least one year of judicial training and pass its final exam.
- Be selected and appointed as an assistant judge.
- Build 10 years in qualifying work after training to be eligible as a judge.
Qualifications and exams
In Japan, assistant judges must pass the National Bar Examination, complete at least one year of judicial training, and pass its final exam. Becoming a judge requires 10 or more years in qualifying roles after training.
A day as a judge
A judge in Japan reads written claims and evidence, then sorts out the questions in dispute. In court, they hear the people involved and guide the hearing; between sessions they draft judgments and discuss cases with other judges.
Common questions
What determines a judge’s pay in Japan?
In Japan, the law sets judges’ monthly compensation by rank. The Supreme Court decides the specific rank for each judge and assistant judge. Source
Are bonuses separate from judges’ base pay?
Yes. Judges can receive pay beyond their base compensation. The law says this other pay follows rules for public officials in similar offices. Source
Do judges get overtime pay in Japan?
Japan’s Judges’ Compensation Act does not provide overtime, holiday, night-shift, or overnight-duty allowances for judges. Source
Can a judge’s pay be cut while they are in office?
A judge cannot have their pay cut against their will, except in cases set out by law, such as public impeachment or a ruling that they cannot perform their duties due to illness or disability. Source
Do all judges get a transfer allowance?
Not all judges. The law provides a transfer allowance for high court presidents, and a cold-region allowance for those serving in cold areas. Source
This section summarizes public sources. We only show numbers that have a source.
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In the US
US Most people, typical, the top
| Who | Yearly earnings | Based on |
|---|---|---|
| Most U.S. judges (middle 80%) | $46,950–$221,710 | BLS 2025 wage cutoffs for the lowest and highest 10% |
| Typical U.S. judge (median) | $153,990 | BLS May 2025 median |
| U.S. Supreme Court Chief Justice (2026) Chief Justice John G. Roberts, Jr. ($320,700 in 2026) | $320,700 | U.S. Courts 2026 judicial compensation schedule |
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Famous people
| Who | Amount |
|---|---|
| ⚖️ John G. Roberts Jr. Chief Justice of the United States | $320,700 (2026) The U.S. Chief Justice's salary is fixed by law at $320,700 a year. |
| ⚖️ Clarence Thomas U.S. Supreme Court Justice | $306,600 (2026) Justice Thomas's salary is set at $306,600 a year. |
Related questions
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Data table and sources
- www.bls.gov/ooh/legal/judges-and-hearing-officers.htm
- www.bls.gov/news.release/ocwage.t01.htm
- www.uscourts.gov/about-federal-courts/about-federal-judges/judicial-compensation
- www.supremecourt.gov/about/biographies.aspx
- laws.e-gov.go.jp/law/323AC0000000075
- www.shugiin.go.jp/internet/itdb_housei.nsf/html/housei/21920251224093.htm
- www.courts.go.jp/assets/db2026_103.pdf
- laws.e-gov.go.jp/law/322AC0000000059
- www.courts.go.jp/saikosai/sihokensyujo/sihosyusyu/index.html
- www.moj.go.jp/content/001434166.pdf
- The Chief Justice of the Supreme Court's pay is set by law at 2.095 million yen a month, times 12 (as of April 2026). (Judges' Compensation Act)
- A Supreme Court justice's pay, same as the top prosecutor's, is 1.528 million yen a month; younger judges earn less. (Judges' Compensation Act)