Assumptions and pay data
Pay data: Courts & Judiciary pay. Circuit Judge: one rate of £179,939, rates from 1/4/2026. Checked 6/10/2026.
- How we model progression: Many UK public sector pay scales use spine points (fixed salary steps within a band). Where the dataset has spine points, we assume you move up one point every X years (e.g. every 2 years). Where there are no spine points, we use an annual increment until you reach the band maximum. Real rules (time in grade, performance, etc.) vary by employer and contract.
- Years in role (starting point): This is how many years you have already been in this band. It sets where you start on the scale for the projection (e.g. 0 = bottom of the band (year one), 4 = four years in (you may already be at a higher spine point)). Change it to match your situation.
- All outputs are gross. We don't deduct UK tax, National Insurance or pension.
- Allowances and eligibility vary by UK employer.
Progression is shown using the pay structure for your sector (spine points or annual increments). Rules and rates vary by employer, so treat this as an illustrative guide only.
Pay Progression Calculator
England (primary coverage)Confirm with your employerFramework from 1/4/2026
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Guide for Circuit Judge
This guide explains how pay progression typically works for Circuit Judge at Courts & Judiciary on Circuit Judge under Courts & Judiciary pay. Use the calculator on this page for illustrative figures; confirm the current salary for your office in the Ministry of Justice judicial salaries schedule.
Pay progression for Circuit Judge
As Circuit Judge at Courts & Judiciary, pay is usually set under Courts & Judiciary pay. Our dataset typically maps this role to Circuit Judge; your actual grade may differ. Judges are not on a pay scale with spine points or annual increments. Each judicial office sits in a salary group with one full-time salary, set each year in the Ministry of Justice judicial salaries schedule. Pay rises come from the annual pay award or appointment to a higher salary group, not from years in post.
Typical progression for Circuit Judge
Circuit Judge → High Court Judge. Each step is an appointment to a higher salary group; pay does not rise with years in post.
What to enter in the calculator
Choose your current band or grade, then set how many years you have already been on that band. That sets your starting point on the scale. Select how many years ahead you want to project. The tool shows year-by-year gross pay and total earnings over the period.
What this does not include
The projection uses base band pay only. It does not add allowances (London weighting, unsocial hours, TLR, HCAS), overtime, or non-consolidated awards. Tax, National Insurance and pension are not deducted: all figures are gross.
Example scenario
Illustrative example at bottom of band (matches calculator defaults)
| Band / grade | Circuit Judge |
|---|---|
| Years already in band | 0 |
| Gross pay now (example) | £179,939 |
| Gross pay after 5 years (example) | £179,939 |
| Projection period | 5 years |
Frequently asked questions
What does this Circuit Judge pay progression calculator do?
It projects gross annual pay over a number of years for Courts & Judiciary Circuit Judge from the published judicial salary for this post. Judicial pay is one salary for each salary group, and the calculator does not add future pay awards, so the projection stays flat. It's illustrative.
How does pay progression work for judges?
Judges are not on a pay scale with spine points or annual increments. Each judicial office sits in a salary group with one full-time salary, set each year in the Ministry of Justice judicial salaries schedule. Pay rises come from the annual pay award or appointment to a higher salary group, not from years in post. Our calculator uses the published salary for Circuit Judge.
Are the results gross or net? Do you store my data?
All figures are gross (before tax, National Insurance and pension). Your calculator inputs and results stay in your browser and are not stored. We only collect your name and email if you choose to give them, for example to download your results or sign up for email updates. We store them with MailerLite, our email provider, along with the page you were on. See our privacy policy.
Where can I get official judicial pay information?
GOV.UK publishes the Ministry of Justice judicial salaries schedule each year, with the salary group and salary for each judicial office. The Senior Salaries Review Body (SSRB) report explains the annual pay award.
How often is the pay data updated?
Judicial salaries change once a year with the annual pay award, which usually takes effect from 1 April. We update our figures when the Ministry of Justice publishes the new schedule. Treat our numbers as illustrative.
About this role
What is a Circuit Judge?
A Circuit Judge hears cases in the Crown Court or county court. Pay is one salary for their judicial salary group (group 5.2).
Typical demands, progression and balance
Circuit judge roles offer significant responsibility. Pay and satisfaction depend on circuit and role. Progression to High Court judge is possible.
Are there progression routes?
Circuit Judge → High Court Judge. Each step is an appointment to a higher salary group; pay does not rise with years in post.
Disclaimer
Illustrative estimates, not financial or career advice. Your payslip and contract decide what you are actually paid.