Judicial Compensation Commission - Recommendations

Higher pay for Maryland judges

Maryland judges get a $5,900 annual salary increase on July 1 of 2026, 2027, 2028, and 2029. Beginning July 1, 2026, the Supreme Court Chief Justice earns $261,333, and associate justices earn $242,333. The Appellate Court Chief Judge earns $232,533, and its other judges earn $229,533. Circuit Court judges earn $220,333. The District Court Chief Judge earns $229,533, and associate judges earn $207,233. Each listed salary rises by another $5,900 on each of the next three July 1 dates. By July 1, 2029, annual salaries are $23,600 above their levels before these increases. The Appellate Court Chief Judge also gets a $7,500 annual stipend in addition to salary. Judges serving as administrative judges for a circuit court or the District Court get the same stipend. This extra pay runs from July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2030, covering fiscal years 2027–2030. The approval rules let the General Assembly lower the commission’s recommended salaries, but not raise them. Recommended salaries apply for fiscal years 2027–2030 when lawmakers take no action within 50 days after introduction. Rejected salaries stay unchanged during those fiscal years unless another law changes them.