Industry snapshot: Legal field jobs

Judges

Average salary: $101,690. Varies by specialty and region.

Demand: Limited. Despite growing caseloads, government budget constraints keep the hiring of judges down at all levels. Prestige of the positions creates competition for any openings. Some leave for higher-paying private practice.

Qualifications: Most federal and state judges must be lawyers; some federal levels require competitive exams; federal and Massachusetts state judges are appointed; some states elect judges.

(Craig Hartley/Globe Staff)
Judges Average salary: $101,690. Varies by specialty and region. Demand: Limited. Despite growing caseloads, government budget constraints keep the hiring of judges down at all levels. Prestige of the positions creates competition for any openings. Some leave for higher-paying private practice. Qualifications: Most federal and state judges must be lawyers; some federal levels require competitive exams; federal and Massachusetts state judges are appointed; some states elect judges.