📊 BLS Official Data · May 2025 Release

Administrative Law Judge Salary in California (2026)

California · 42.0% above national average · Medium Demand

Average
$145,238
per year
Median
$138,138
per year
Hourly
$69.83
per hour
🏛️ Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
📅 Dataset: OES May 2025
🔄 Published: May 2026
📍 Coverage: All 50 States + DC
📊
Salary Range & Percentiles
Pay distribution across experience levels
10th Percentile — Entry Level$92,343
25th Percentile — Junior$119,323
50th Percentile — Median$138,138
75th Percentile — Senior$180,028
90th Percentile — Top Earners$202,858
💡 Top-earning Administrative Law Judges in California make up to $202,858 per year. The job market in California is rated very strong, with key industries including Technology, Entertainment, Agriculture.
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Salary Growth Trend (2021–2026)
Six-year compensation trajectory
$131.5k
2021
$134.2k
2022
$136.9k
2023
$139.6k
2024
$142.4k
2025
$145.2k
2026
📈 Administrative Law Judge salaries in California have followed the national trend with 2.0% annual growth. The strong presence in California's job market supports continued salary increases.
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Administrative Law Judge Salary by City in California
Geographic salary comparison
CityAvg Salaryvs NationalDemand
Los Angeles $225,119 +55.0% Medium
San Diego $214,952 +48.0% Medium
San Jose $249,809 +72.0% Medium
San Francisco $268,690 +85.0% Medium
Fresno $156,857 +8.0% Medium
Sacramento $177,190 +22.0% Medium
Long Beach $210,595 +45.0% Medium
Bakersfield $156,857 +8.0% Medium
Anaheim $206,238 +42.0% Medium
Santa Ana $203,333 +40.0% Medium
Riverside $185,905 +28.0% Medium
Stockton $171,381 +18.0% Medium
Irvine $225,119 +55.0% Medium
San Bernardino $171,381 +18.0% Medium
Modesto $162,667 +12.0% Medium
Fontana $177,190 +22.0% Medium
Moreno Valley $167,024 +15.0% Medium
Glendale $214,952 +48.0% Medium
Fremont $232,381 +60.0% Medium
🔍
Administrative Law Judge Job Market in California
Key factors affecting compensation

California is home to a very strong job market for Administrative Law Judges. The state's key industries — Technology, Entertainment, Agriculture — generate significant demand for skilled professionals. At $145,238 per year, California's Administrative Law Judge salaries are 42.0% higher than the national average.

The cost of living in California (index: 1.42) justifies the higher pay scale. Entry-level professionals in California can expect to earn $92,343–$119,323, while experienced Administrative Law Judges can command $180,028–$202,858.

Looking ahead, the Administrative Law Judge profession in California is projected to grow at 2.0% annually. Major employers are actively hiring, and the state's investment in Technology continues to drive new opportunities for qualified candidates.

🏛️ U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OES) · May 2025
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Compare with Similar Jobs
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about this salary
  • The average Administrative Law Judge salary in California is $145,238 per year in 2026, which is 42.0% above the national average of $102,280.
  • San Francisco and San Jose typically pay Administrative Law Judges the highest wages in California due to higher costs of living and competitive job markets.
  • California has a very strong job market with major industries in Technology, Entertainment, Agriculture. This makes it one of the better states for Administrative Law Judge employment.
  • At $145,238/year, California Administrative Law Judge salaries are 42.0% higher than the national average of $102,280/year.