Minnesota / Trial Courts

Agency file

Trial Courts

Source file: Minnesota — State Employee Payroll / ingested Jun 18, 2026

The Trial Courts operates the court system — adjudicating cases and maintaining judicial records.

In 2025, this agency had 3,104 employees with median total compensation of $61,906; the highest distinct record was $211,699.

Year: 2025
Total payroll: $222M
Employees: 3,104
Median total: $61,906
Highest record: $211,699

What the records show

Compensation analytics

These summaries compare pay within the agency before listing individual records.

Salary distribution

$250$190,118+

Hover a bar for its range; click to filter the list below.

How 2025 total compensation is spread across the 3,104 employees. Each bar is a pay range; taller bars mean more people earn in that range. The amber line marks the median ($61,906) — half earn less, half more. The far-right bar collects the highest earners.

Average pay composition

Base — $70,796 (99%)
Overtime — $75 (0%)
Other — $660 (1%)
Benefits — $0 (0%)

What an average paycheck here is made of — base salary versus overtime, other pay (bonuses, allowances), and benefits. A large overtime or other-pay share means take-home often exceeds base salary.

Pay percentiles

10th

25th

Median

75th

90th

$17,238

$46,127

$61,906

$82,862

$158,775

The pay ladder for this department. Someone at the 90th percentile earns $158,775 — more than 90% of the department; the 10th percentile earns $17,238. The shaded band is the middle half of employees (25th–75th percentile).

Largest job titles

Jud Court Operations Associate

1,005 · $47,550

Jud District Court Law Clerk

427 · $61,903

Jud District Court Judge

282 · $190,117

Jud Court Reporter Steno

152 · $84,682

Jud Court Operation Supervisor

149 · $82,000

The most common job titles in this department by headcount, with the median total compensation for each. Click a title to see everyone who holds it.

Trend

Year over year

How this department's total payroll, headcount, and median pay changed across the 2 published years.

Year	Total payroll	Employees	Median pay
2024	$210.8M —	3,118 —	$58,520 —
2025	$222M ▲ 5.3%	3,104 ▼ 0.4%	$61,906 ▲ 5.8%

Record list

Employees

Page 1

Mary Madden

Jud Referee/Trial Courts

2024 total comp

$171,573

Sub-department: 4th Hennepin Judge
Base pay: $114,344
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $57,228
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $171,573
Hire date: 2008-09-22
Employment type: Full-Time
Pay grade: 30
Union / bargaining unit: Agency Exclusion
Pay basis: Hourly
Full-time equivalent (FTE): 1
Work county: Hennepin

Source-specific fields

Active on June 30, 2024: No
Agency Number: J33
Bargaining Unit Number: 222
Branch: Judicial
Branch Code: Judicial
Classified Code: Unclassified
Classified Status: Unclassified
Compensation Frequency Code: Hourly

At Trial Courts, Mary Madden serves as a Jud Referee within 4Th Hennepin Judge. Hired in 2008, they have about 16 years of service, working full-time. Their 2024 pay totaled $171,573. Union affiliation: Agency Exclusion.

Debra Mueske

Jud District Administrator B/Trial Courts

2025 total comp

$170,244

Sub-department: 8th Meeker Judge
Base pay: $170,244
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $170,244
Hire date: 2001-01-03
Employment type: Full-Time
Pay grade: 17
Union / bargaining unit: Agency Exclusion
Pay basis: Hourly
Full-time equivalent (FTE): 1
Work county: Kandiyohi

Source-specific fields

Active on June 30, 2025: Yes
Agency Number: J33
Bargaining Unit Number: 222
Branch: Judicial
Branch Code: Judicial
Classified Code: Unclassified
Classified Status: Unclassified
Compensation Frequency Code: Hourly

Debra Mueske is a Jud District Administrator B at Trial Courts within 8Th Meeker Judge. Their tenure dates to 2001, about 24 years, working full-time. 2025 total compensation came to $170,244. They are represented by Agency Exclusion.

Tiffany Sedillos

Jud Referee/Trial Courts

2025 total comp

$170,234

Sub-department: 4th Hennepin Judge
Base pay: $170,234
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $170,234
Hire date: 2016-02-29
Employment type: Full-Time
Pay grade: 30
Union / bargaining unit: Agency Exclusion
Pay basis: Hourly
Full-time equivalent (FTE): 1
Work county: Hennepin

Source-specific fields

Active on June 30, 2025: Yes
Agency Number: J33
Bargaining Unit Number: 222
Branch: Judicial
Branch Code: Judicial
Classified Code: Unclassified
Classified Status: Unclassified
Compensation Frequency Code: Hourly

Tiffany Sedillos is a Jud Referee at Trial Courts within 4Th Hennepin Judge. Hired in 2016, they have about 9 years of service, working full-time. 2025 total compensation came to $170,234. They are represented by Agency Exclusion.

Holly Knight

Jud Referee/Trial Courts

2025 total comp

$170,234

Sub-department: 4th Hennepin Judge
Base pay: $170,234
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $170,234
Hire date: 2013-01-07
Employment type: Full-Time
Pay grade: 30
Union / bargaining unit: Agency Exclusion
Pay basis: Hourly
Full-time equivalent (FTE): 1
Work county: Hennepin

Source-specific fields

Active on June 30, 2025: Yes
Agency Number: J33
Bargaining Unit Number: 222
Branch: Judicial
Branch Code: Judicial
Classified Code: Unclassified
Classified Status: Unclassified
Compensation Frequency Code: Hourly

Holly Knight holds the role of Jud Referee at Trial Courts within 4Th Hennepin Judge. Their tenure dates to 2013, about 12 years as a full-time employee. In 2025, their total compensation was $170,234. Union affiliation: Agency Exclusion.

Jason Hutchison

Jud Referee/Trial Courts

2025 total comp

$170,234

Sub-department: 4th Hennepin Judge
Base pay: $170,234
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $170,234
Hire date: 2003-09-03
Employment type: Full-Time
Pay grade: 30
Union / bargaining unit: Agency Exclusion
Pay basis: Hourly
Full-time equivalent (FTE): 1
Work county: Hennepin

Source-specific fields

Active on June 30, 2025: Yes
Agency Number: J33
Bargaining Unit Number: 222
Branch: Judicial
Branch Code: Judicial
Classified Code: Unclassified
Classified Status: Unclassified
Compensation Frequency Code: Hourly

Jason Hutchison works as a Jud Referee for Trial Courts within 4Th Hennepin Judge. They have served since 2003 (about 22 years) as a full-time employee. Jason earned $170,234 in 2025. They are represented by Agency Exclusion.

Rebecca Chaffee

Jud Referee/Trial Courts

2025 total comp

$170,234

Sub-department: 4th Hennepin Judge
Base pay: $170,234
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $170,234
Hire date: 2000-07-31
Employment type: Full-Time
Pay grade: 30
Union / bargaining unit: Agency Exclusion
Pay basis: Hourly
Full-time equivalent (FTE): 1
Work county: Hennepin

Source-specific fields

Active on June 30, 2025: Yes
Agency Number: J33
Bargaining Unit Number: 222
Branch: Judicial
Branch Code: Judicial
Classified Code: Unclassified
Classified Status: Unclassified
Compensation Frequency Code: Hourly

Rebecca Chaffee is a Jud Referee at Trial Courts within 4Th Hennepin Judge. Hired in 2000, they have about 25 years of service, working full-time. 2025 total compensation came to $170,234. Their bargaining unit is Agency Exclusion.

Ngoc Nguyen

Jud Referee/Trial Courts

2025 total comp

$170,234

Sub-department: 4th Hennepin Judge
Base pay: $170,234
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $170,234
Hire date: 1999-06-14
Employment type: Full-Time
Pay grade: 30
Union / bargaining unit: Agency Exclusion
Pay basis: Hourly
Full-time equivalent (FTE): 1
Work county: Hennepin

Source-specific fields

Active on June 30, 2025: Yes
Agency Number: J33
Bargaining Unit Number: 222
Branch: Judicial
Branch Code: Judicial
Classified Code: Unclassified
Classified Status: Unclassified
Compensation Frequency Code: Hourly

At Trial Courts, Ngoc Nguyen serves as a Jud Referee within 4Th Hennepin Judge. They have served since 1999 (about 26 years), working full-time. Their 2025 pay totaled $170,234. They are represented by Agency Exclusion.

Heidi Davies

Jud Referee/Trial Courts

2025 total comp

$170,234

Sub-department: 7th Clay Judge
Base pay: $170,234
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $170,234
Hire date: 2016-08-15
Employment type: Full-Time
Pay grade: 30
Union / bargaining unit: Agency Exclusion
Pay basis: Hourly
Full-time equivalent (FTE): 1
Work county: Clay

Source-specific fields

Active on June 30, 2025: Yes
Agency Number: J33
Bargaining Unit Number: 222
Branch: Judicial
Branch Code: Judicial
Classified Code: Unclassified
Classified Status: Unclassified
Compensation Frequency Code: Hourly

Heidi Davies holds the role of Jud Referee at Trial Courts within 7Th Clay Judge. They have served since 2016 (about 9 years) as a full-time employee. In 2025, their total compensation was $170,234. Their bargaining unit is Agency Exclusion.

Jenese Larmouth

Jud Referee/Trial Courts

2025 total comp

$170,234

Sub-department: 2nd Ramsey Judge
Base pay: $170,234
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $170,234
Hire date: 2021-11-08
Employment type: Full-Time
Pay grade: 30
Union / bargaining unit: Agency Exclusion
Pay basis: Hourly
Full-time equivalent (FTE): 1
Work county: Ramsey

Source-specific fields

Active on June 30, 2025: Yes
Agency Number: J33
Bargaining Unit Number: 222
Branch: Judicial
Branch Code: Judicial
Classified Code: Unclassified
Classified Status: Unclassified
Compensation Frequency Code: Hourly

Jenese Larmouth holds the role of Jud Referee at Trial Courts within 2Nd Ramsey Judge. Hired in 2021, they have about 4 years of service as a full-time employee. In 2025, their total compensation was $170,234. Their bargaining unit is Agency Exclusion.

Victoria Gardner

Jud Referee/Trial Courts

2025 total comp

$170,234

Sub-department: 2nd Ramsey Judge
Base pay: $170,234
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $170,234
Hire date: 2021-08-30
Employment type: Full-Time
Pay grade: 30
Union / bargaining unit: Agency Exclusion
Pay basis: Hourly
Full-time equivalent (FTE): 1
Work county: Ramsey

Source-specific fields

Active on June 30, 2025: Yes
Agency Number: J33
Bargaining Unit Number: 222
Branch: Judicial
Branch Code: Judicial
Classified Code: Unclassified
Classified Status: Unclassified
Compensation Frequency Code: Hourly

Victoria Gardner is a Jud Referee at Trial Courts within 2Nd Ramsey Judge. Their tenure dates to 2021, about 4 years, working full-time. 2025 total compensation came to $170,234. They are represented by Agency Exclusion.

Lori Skibbie

Jud Referee/Trial Courts

2025 total comp

$170,234

Sub-department: 4th Hennepin Judge
Base pay: $170,234
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $170,234
Hire date: 2018-11-01
Employment type: Full-Time
Pay grade: 30
Union / bargaining unit: Agency Exclusion
Pay basis: Hourly
Full-time equivalent (FTE): 1
Work county: Hennepin

Source-specific fields

Active on June 30, 2025: Yes
Agency Number: J33
Bargaining Unit Number: 222
Branch: Judicial
Branch Code: Judicial
Classified Code: Unclassified
Classified Status: Unclassified
Compensation Frequency Code: Hourly

Lori Skibbie works as a Jud Referee for Trial Courts within 4Th Hennepin Judge. They have served since 2018 (about 7 years) as a full-time employee. Lori earned $170,234 in 2025. They are represented by Agency Exclusion.

Christy Snow-Kaster

Jud Referee/Trial Courts

2025 total comp

$170,234

Sub-department: 4th Hennepin Judge
Base pay: $170,234
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $170,234
Hire date: 2017-05-01
Employment type: Full-Time
Pay grade: 30
Union / bargaining unit: Agency Exclusion
Pay basis: Hourly
Full-time equivalent (FTE): 1
Work county: Hennepin

Source-specific fields

Active on June 30, 2025: Yes
Agency Number: J33
Bargaining Unit Number: 222
Branch: Judicial
Branch Code: Judicial
Classified Code: Unclassified
Classified Status: Unclassified
Compensation Frequency Code: Hourly

At Trial Courts, Christy Snow-Kaster serves as a Jud Referee within 4Th Hennepin Judge. They have served since 2017 (about 8 years), working full-time. Their 2025 pay totaled $170,234. Their bargaining unit is Agency Exclusion.

James Watchke-Koranne

Jud Referee/Trial Courts

2025 total comp

$170,234

Sub-department: 10th District Staff
Base pay: $170,234
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $170,234
Hire date: 2013-04-24
Employment type: Full-Time
Pay grade: 30
Union / bargaining unit: Agency Exclusion
Pay basis: Hourly
Full-time equivalent (FTE): 1
Work county: Anoka

Source-specific fields

Active on June 30, 2025: Yes
Agency Number: J33
Bargaining Unit Number: 222
Branch: Judicial
Branch Code: Judicial
Classified Code: Unclassified
Classified Status: Unclassified
Compensation Frequency Code: Hourly

James Watchke-Koranne holds the role of Jud Referee at Trial Courts within 10Th District Staff. They have served since 2013 (about 12 years) as a full-time employee. In 2025, their total compensation was $170,234. Their bargaining unit is Agency Exclusion.

Rebecca Rossow

Jud Referee/Trial Courts

2025 total comp

$170,234

Sub-department: 2nd Ramsey Judge
Base pay: $170,234
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $170,234
Hire date: 2011-11-08
Employment type: Full-Time
Pay grade: 30
Union / bargaining unit: Agency Exclusion
Pay basis: Hourly
Full-time equivalent (FTE): 1
Work county: Ramsey

Source-specific fields

Active on June 30, 2025: Yes
Agency Number: J33
Bargaining Unit Number: 222
Branch: Judicial
Branch Code: Judicial
Classified Code: Unclassified
Classified Status: Unclassified
Compensation Frequency Code: Hourly

At Trial Courts, Rebecca Rossow serves as a Jud Referee within 2Nd Ramsey Judge. Their tenure dates to 2011, about 14 years, working full-time. Their 2025 pay totaled $170,234. Union affiliation: Agency Exclusion.

Joel Olson

Jud Referee/Trial Courts

2025 total comp

$170,234

Sub-department: 4th Hennepin Judge
Base pay: $170,234
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $170,234
Hire date: 2010-12-13
Employment type: Full-Time
Pay grade: 30
Union / bargaining unit: Agency Exclusion
Pay basis: Hourly
Full-time equivalent (FTE): 1
Work county: Hennepin

Source-specific fields

Active on June 30, 2025: Yes
Agency Number: J33
Bargaining Unit Number: 222
Branch: Judicial
Branch Code: Judicial
Classified Code: Unclassified
Classified Status: Unclassified
Compensation Frequency Code: Hourly

At Trial Courts, Joel Olson serves as a Jud Referee within 4Th Hennepin Judge. Their tenure dates to 2010, about 15 years, working full-time. Their 2025 pay totaled $170,234. They are represented by Agency Exclusion.

Danielle Mercurio

Jud Referee/Trial Courts

2025 total comp

$170,234

Sub-department: 4th Hennepin Judge
Base pay: $170,234
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $170,234
Hire date: 2007-04-17
Employment type: Full-Time
Pay grade: 30
Union / bargaining unit: Agency Exclusion
Pay basis: Hourly
Full-time equivalent (FTE): 1
Work county: Hennepin

Source-specific fields

Active on June 30, 2025: Yes
Agency Number: J33
Bargaining Unit Number: 222
Branch: Judicial
Branch Code: Judicial
Classified Code: Unclassified
Classified Status: Unclassified
Compensation Frequency Code: Hourly

At Trial Courts, Danielle Mercurio serves as a Jud Referee within 4Th Hennepin Judge. Hired in 2007, they have about 18 years of service, working full-time. Their 2025 pay totaled $170,234. They are represented by Agency Exclusion.

Kathryn Bergstrom

Jud Referee/Trial Courts

2025 total comp

$170,234

Sub-department: 6th District Staff
Base pay: $170,234
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $170,234
Hire date: 2021-08-30
Employment type: Full-Time
Pay grade: 30
Union / bargaining unit: Agency Exclusion
Pay basis: Hourly
Full-time equivalent (FTE): 1
Work county: St Louis

Source-specific fields

Active on June 30, 2025: Yes
Agency Number: J33
Bargaining Unit Number: 222
Branch: Judicial
Branch Code: Judicial
Classified Code: Unclassified
Classified Status: Unclassified
Compensation Frequency Code: Hourly

At Trial Courts, Kathryn Bergstrom serves as a Jud Referee within 6Th District Staff. Their tenure dates to 2021, about 4 years, working full-time. Their 2025 pay totaled $170,234. Union affiliation: Agency Exclusion.

Tyler Annette

Jud Referee/Trial Courts

2025 total comp

$170,234

Sub-department: 9th Cass Judge
Base pay: $170,234
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $170,234
Hire date: 2005-03-07
Employment type: Full-Time
Pay grade: 30
Union / bargaining unit: Agency Exclusion
Pay basis: Hourly
Full-time equivalent (FTE): 1
Work county: Beltrami

Source-specific fields

Active on June 30, 2025: Yes
Agency Number: J33
Bargaining Unit Number: 222
Branch: Judicial
Branch Code: Judicial
Classified Code: Unclassified
Classified Status: Unclassified
Compensation Frequency Code: Hourly

At Trial Courts, Tyler Annette serves as a Jud Referee within 9Th Cass Judge. Their tenure dates to 2005, about 20 years, working full-time. Their 2025 pay totaled $170,234. They are represented by Agency Exclusion.

Elizabeth Clysdale

Jud Referee/Trial Courts

2025 total comp

$170,234

Sub-department: 2nd Ramsey Judge
Base pay: $170,234
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $170,234
Hire date: 1996-06-05
Employment type: Full-Time
Pay grade: 30
Union / bargaining unit: Agency Exclusion
Pay basis: Hourly
Full-time equivalent (FTE): 1
Work county: Ramsey

Source-specific fields

Active on June 30, 2025: Yes
Agency Number: J33
Bargaining Unit Number: 222
Branch: Judicial
Branch Code: Judicial
Classified Code: Unclassified
Classified Status: Unclassified
Compensation Frequency Code: Hourly

Elizabeth Clysdale works as a Jud Referee for Trial Courts within 2Nd Ramsey Judge. Their tenure dates to 1996, about 29 years as a full-time employee. Elizabeth earned $170,234 in 2025. Their bargaining unit is Agency Exclusion.

Franklin Reed

Jud Referee/Trial Courts

2025 total comp

$170,234

Sub-department: 4th Hennepin Judge
Base pay: $170,234
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $170,234
Hire date: 1995-08-01
Employment type: Full-Time
Pay grade: 30
Union / bargaining unit: Agency Exclusion
Pay basis: Hourly
Full-time equivalent (FTE): 1
Work county: Hennepin

Source-specific fields

Active on June 30, 2025: Yes
Agency Number: J33
Bargaining Unit Number: 222
Branch: Judicial
Branch Code: Judicial
Classified Code: Unclassified
Classified Status: Unclassified
Compensation Frequency Code: Hourly

Franklin Reed holds the role of Jud Referee at Trial Courts within 4Th Hennepin Judge. Their tenure dates to 1995, about 30 years as a full-time employee. In 2025, their total compensation was $170,234. Their bargaining unit is Agency Exclusion.

Cathy Clausen

Jud Court Operations Manager/Trial Courts

2025 total comp

$169,317

Sub-department: 2nd District Criminal
Base pay: $120,083
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $49,234
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $169,317
Hire date: 2003-07-01
Employment type: Full-Time
Pay grade: 12
Union / bargaining unit: Agency Exclusion
Pay basis: Hourly
Full-time equivalent (FTE): 1
Work county: Ramsey

Source-specific fields

Active on June 30, 2025: No
Agency Number: J33
Bargaining Unit Number: 222
Branch: Judicial
Branch Code: Judicial
Classified Code: Unclassified
Classified Status: Unclassified
Compensation Frequency Code: Hourly

Cathy Clausen holds the role of Jud Court Operations Manager at Trial Courts within 2Nd District Criminal. They have served since 2003 (about 22 years) as a full-time employee. In 2025, their total compensation was $169,317. They are represented by Agency Exclusion.