Administrative Law Judges, Adjudicators, and Hearing Officers
Job Zone 5 - Extensive preparation needed
Conduct hearings to recommend or make decisions on claims concerning government programs or other government-related matters. Determine liability, sanctions, or penalties, or recommend the acceptance or rejection of claims or settlements.
Median pay: $117,860/yr (U.S. national, May 2025)
Typical range nationwide (10th–90th percentile). This is a population snapshot, not a personal prediction - actual pay varies by location, employer, and experience.
Job outlook: -0.7% projected growth, 2024–2034 — declining.
About 500 openings per year, on average, over the decade.
Typical entry-level education: Doctoral or professional degree.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS and Employment Projections.
• Determine existence and amount of liability according to current laws, administrative and judicial precedents, and available evidence.
• Monitor and direct the activities of trials and hearings to ensure that they are conducted fairly and that courts administer justice while safeguarding the legal rights of all involved parties.
• Prepare written opinions and decisions.
• Authorize payment of valid claims and determine method of payment.
• Conduct hearings to review and decide claims regarding issues, such as social program eligibility, environmental protection, or enforcement of health and safety regulations.
• Research and analyze laws, regulations, policies, and precedent decisions to prepare for hearings and to determine conclusions.
• Review and evaluate data on documents, such as claim applications, birth or death certificates, or physician or employer records.
• Recommend the acceptance or rejection of claims or compromise settlements according to laws, regulations, policies, and precedent decisions.
What's the median pay for Administrative Law Judges, Adjudicators, and Hearing Officers?
The median pay for Administrative Law Judges, Adjudicators, and Hearing Officers is $117,860 per year, per the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
What's the job outlook for Administrative Law Judges, Adjudicators, and Hearing Officers?
Employment for Administrative Law Judges, Adjudicators, and Hearing Officers is projected to change -0.7% from 2024 to 2034 - declining.
What education is typically required for Administrative Law Judges, Adjudicators, and Hearing Officers?
Typical entry-level education: Doctoral or professional degree.
How many job openings are there each year for Administrative Law Judges, Adjudicators, and Hearing Officers?
About 500 openings per year, on average, over the decade.