Arbitrators, Mediators, and Conciliators
Facilitate negotiation and conflict resolution through dialogue. Resolve conflicts outside of the court system by mutual consent of parties involved.
Also called: Adjudicator, Alternative Dispute Resolution Coordinator (ADR Coordinator), Alternative Dispute Resolution Mediator (ADR Mediator), Arbiter, Arbitration Manager, Arbitration Specialist
Median pay
$75,530
per year, U.S.
Pay range (10th–90th)
$47,220 – $155,440
People employed
9,210
Holland code
ECS
Enterprising · Conventional · Social
Updated October 2026 · Data: O*NET 31.0 and BLS OEWS May 2025 · How we match careers
Is this career right for you?
These are the things that stand out in this job compared with other U.S. jobs (O*NET 31.0 work context). Answer honestly.
- 1.Do you prefer doing your own work rather than directing others?
- 2.Do you want variety, with new tasks often?
- 3.Are you comfortable sitting at a desk most of the day?
- 4.Do you want a lot of freedom to make your own decisions?
- 5.Are you OK with hours that change?
- 6.Are you happy working mostly on your own, with little contact with others?
- 7.Would you rather not deal with customers or the public?
- 8.Do you prefer working indoors?
The hard parts
- Dealing with conflict is part of the job
- Tight deadlines are common
Arbitrators, Mediators, and Conciliators pay by state
Highest-paying states
Annual median pay by state (22 states and DC with published data). Source: BLS OEWS May 2025.
Arbitrators, Mediators, and Conciliators salary in every state →
What arbitrators, mediators, and conciliators do
- 01Prepare written opinions or decisions regarding cases.
- 02Apply relevant laws, regulations, policies, or precedents to reach conclusions.
- 03Conduct hearings to obtain information or evidence relative to disposition of claims.
- 04Determine extent of liability according to evidence, laws, or administrative or judicial precedents.
- 05Rule on exceptions, motions, or admissibility of evidence.
- 06Confer with disputants to clarify issues, identify underlying concerns, and develop an understanding of their respective needs and interests.
Skills that matter most
- Active Listening
- Writing
- Reading Comprehension
- Speaking
- Critical Thinking
- Active Learning
Knowledge
- English Language
- Law and Government
- Personnel and Human Resources
- Administration and Management
- Education and Training
Work styles that stand out
- Dependability
- Attention to Detail
- Integrity
- Cautiousness
- Cooperation
Education and first steps
Share of workers by required education, as reported to O*NET.
How people get started
- Usually needs a graduate degree (O*NET Job Zone 5).
- Related work experience: over 10 years.
- On-the-job training: over 1 year, up to and including 2 years.
- A certification can help.
Most common answers from O*NET 31.0 Education, Training and Experience.
Interest fit (Holland code)
O*NET occupational interest scores, scale 1–7. Take the Free Career Test to compare with your own.
Career changes
Change from arbitrators, mediators, and conciliators
- Labor Relations Specialists91% · +26%
- Equal Opportunity Representatives and Officers85% · group pay
- Compliance Managers79% · group pay
- Fraud Examiners, Investigators and Analysts77% · group pay
- Claims Adjusters, Examiners, and Investigators76% · +3%
Majors that lead here
- Law
- Peace Studies and Conflict Resolution
- Dispute Resolution
From the NCES CIP 2020 to SOC 2018 crosswalk.