Federal judges appear to be stepping up their efforts to convince Congress to increase their salaries, which start at about $174,000. According to a U.S. Court judicial compensation fact sheet, judges’ pay has increased by 39% since 1992, while most federal workers have seen increases of 91%. The judges argue that low salaries threaten the independence of the Judicial Branch and cause good, experienced judges to leave the bench.
Many current and past judges have indicated that financial considerations play a large role in decisions to resign or retire from the bench. The fact sheet notes that judges who have left to become corporate counsels are earning an average of $700,000 in salary and bonuses, plus the possibility of stock options.
Chief Justice Roberts has expressed concern about the lagging salaries: “If judicial appointment ceases to be the capstone of a distinguished career and instead becomes a stepping stone to a lucrative position in private practice, the [U.S. Constitution’s] Framers’ goal of a truly independent judiciary will be placed in serious jeopardy.”
