Assumptions and pay data
Pay data: Courts & Judiciary pay. Tribunal Judge: one rate of £144,350, rates from 1/4/2026. Checked 6/10/2026.
- Both paths use today's pay scales, with no pay awards, and count gross pay only.
- The calculator starts you at the first point of the new band.
- Each year in the comparison moves you a year up your band before pay is worked out, so the “promoted later” path is paid £144,350 in its first year.
Promotion Timing Impact Calculator
England (primary coverage)Confirm with your employerFramework from 1/4/2026
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Guide for Tribunal Judge
This guide helps Tribunal Judge at Courts & Judiciary compare promotion timing scenarios from Tribunal Judge. The calculator shows gross earnings only; promotion still depends on vacancies, funding and employer policy.
Why promotion timing matters for Tribunal Judge
Moving to a higher band or grade earlier means more years at the higher rate. Over five or ten years the cumulative difference can be substantial, even when the step from Tribunal Judge to the next band looks modest year to year. This tool compares gross earnings under two promotion timings using illustrative pay from Courts & Judiciary pay.
Typical progression for Tribunal Judge
Tribunal Judge → Upper Tribunal Judge or Regional Judge. Each step is an appointment to a higher salary group; pay does not rise with years in post.
What to compare in the calculator
Set your current band (Tribunal Judge), years already in band, and how far ahead to project. Choose when the first promotion happens in each scenario and the target band after promotion. Optionally add a second promotion step for longer career routes.
Real world factors
Promotion depends on vacancies, performance, funding and policy. The calculator does not model competition for posts or time to complete training. Use it for financial comparison alongside career planning conversations with your line manager or union.
Example scenario
Example: Tribunal Judge at £144,350. Promotion now rather than in 3 years is worth £106,767 over 10 years; the calculator opens on promotion in 1 year (£35,589).
| Current band (example) | Tribunal Judge |
|---|---|
| Gross now (example) | £144,350 |
| Compare over | 10 years |
| Scenarios | Promote now vs promote in 3 years |
Frequently asked questions
Why does waiting a year cost £35,589?
In the first year you would earn £179,939 on Circuit Judge instead of £144,350 on Tribunal Judge, £35,589 more. After that both paths pay the same, because Circuit Judge pays the same at every point in our data.
What if promotion takes 3 years?
Over the same 10 years, being promoted now rather than in 3 years is worth £106,767. Set the promotion year to 3 to see the year-by-year table.
Where do I start in the new band?
At its first point, in the calculator. Some pay systems place you higher so that promotion never cuts your pay, so check your own rules.
Can I compare a second promotion?
Yes. Tick “Model a second promotion”: it opens on High Court Judge in year 5, and you can change both.
Are the results gross or net? Do you store my data?
Unless this page says otherwise, 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.
About this role
What is a Tribunal Judge?
A Tribunal Judge hears cases in a tribunal (e.g. employment, immigration). They are legally qualified. Pay is one salary for their judicial salary group (group 7 for a Judge of the First-tier Tribunal).
Typical demands, progression and balance
Tribunal judging offers variety and impact. Pay and satisfaction depend on tribunal and level. Progression to senior tribunal judge is common.
How does promotion timing affect pay?
This calculator compares different promotion scenarios. Use the results above to see how when you're promoted affects total earnings over your career.
Disclaimer
Illustrative estimates, not financial or career advice. Your payslip and contract decide what you are actually paid.