All careers › Arbitrators, Mediators, and Conciliators
Mediator: pay, job outlook and how to become one
- $47,220lowest 10% earn less
- $57,36025th percentile
- $75,530median
- $108,00075th percentile
- $155,440top 10% earn more
The median pay for arbitrators, mediators, and conciliators was $75,530 a year in May 2025[1]. Employment is projected to grow 4.7% from 2025 to 2035[2].
How much do mediators make?
BLS groups mediators with arbitrators and conciliators. In May 2025, the median pay for the group was $75,530 a year, or $36.31 an hour[1]. Half of workers earned more and half earned less[7]. The average was higher, at $91,010 a year or $43.76 an hour[8].
For all occupations in the US, the median was $50,980 a year[4]. The median for this group was above that figure[1][4].
Pay varies a lot from worker to worker:
| Percentile | Annual wage | Hourly wage |
|---|---|---|
| 10th[3][9] | $47,220 | $22.70 |
| 25th[3][9] | $57,360 | $27.58 |
| Median[1] | $75,530 | $36.31 |
| 75th[3][9] | $108,000 | $51.92 |
| 90th[3][9] | $155,440 | $74.73 |
The lowest-paid 10% earned less than $47,220 a year, and the highest-paid 10% earned more than $155,440[3]. BLS publishes percentile wages, not a starting salary[7].
These figures cover workers paid a wage or salary. They leave out the self-employed and do not include benefits or nonproduction bonuses[10]. In 2025, 9.5% of workers in this group were self-employed[11].
Pay by state and city
BLS published state pay for 22 states and DC[12]. Illinois was listed first, with a median of $162,410 and about 80 jobs[12]. The District of Columbia followed at $110,300, then New Mexico at $110,180[12]. California was fourth at $97,680[12]. Oklahoma was last on the list at $36,780[12].
New York had the most jobs, at 1,050[13]. Pennsylvania had 310, Wisconsin 260, Michigan 190 and Arizona 160[13].
Among metro areas with at least 100 jobs, San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA was listed first at $129,180[14]. Washington-Arlington-Alexandria came next at $109,920, then San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont at $108,150[14]. The New York-Newark-Jersey City area had the most jobs, about 600, with a median of $77,430[15].
Show median pay in 22 states and DC
| State | Median per year | Jobs |
|---|---|---|
| Illinois[12] | $162,410 | 80 |
| District of Columbia | $110,300 | 150 |
| New Mexico | $110,180 | 40 |
| California | $97,680 | n/a |
| Colorado | $82,590 | 30 |
| Arizona | $82,150 | 160 |
| Virginia | $79,530 | 120 |
| Alabama | $76,810 | 40 |
| Michigan | $76,270 | 190 |
| North Carolina | $75,320 | 100 |
| New York | $70,800 | 1,050 |
| Ohio | $68,790 | 130 |
| Pennsylvania | $67,890 | 310 |
| Montana | $64,980 | 40 |
| Kansas | $64,970 | 40 |
| Rhode Island | $63,770 | n/a |
| Tennessee | $62,140 | 50 |
| South Carolina | $58,990 | 70 |
| Maryland | $58,890 | 80 |
| Indiana | $57,390 | 60 |
| Texas | $50,940 | n/a |
| Louisiana | $46,100 | 80 |
| Oklahoma | $36,780 | n/a |
How to become a mediator
The typical path, as BLS describes it, has these parts:
- First, earn a bachelor's degree. A bachelor's degree is the usual education needed to enter[6][16]. Few people hold a degree in arbitration, mediation or conflict resolution. Many jobs ask for education in the applicant's own field, and some ask for a law degree, an MBA or another advanced degree[17]. In an O*NET survey of 19 workers, 37% said a first professional degree was required and 16% said a bachelor's degree[18].
- Next, build related experience. BLS lists less than 5 years of related work experience[6]. Mediators and arbitrators typically have expertise in a field such as construction, finance or insurance. Some are lawyers or retired judges[19].
- Then, train on the job. The typical training is moderate-term on-the-job training[6]. New workers often shadow or assist an experienced supervisor and may help with a set number of cases before working alone[20]. Schools, government agencies and community mediation centers offer training, and some offer internships or volunteer roles[21].
- Last, check certification rules. There is no national license[22]. Some states require certification for certain types of cases, and standards and training hours differ by state or court[22]. Some states or courts also want a license in the applicant's own field, such as attorney or certified public accountant[23].
O*NET places the job in Job Zone Five, which means extensive preparation is needed[24].
What mediators do
Mediators help people settle conflicts outside of court, with the agreement of everyone involved[25]. Job titles in the group include family mediator, labor mediator, labor arbitrator and federal mediator[26]. Tasks include:
- Meeting with the people in a dispute to learn their concerns and needs[27].
- Using mediation techniques to help each side understand the other and move toward agreement[27].
- Explaining the arbitration process at the start and settling details such as fees[27].
- Researching laws, rules and earlier decisions before a hearing[27].
- Running hearings to collect information and evidence[27].
- Reviewing documents such as claim applications and records[27].
- Applying laws and precedents to reach a conclusion[27].
- Writing up opinions or decisions on cases[27].
BLS lists analytical, communication, critical-thinking, decision-making and detail skills as important. Staying neutral is part of the job[28][29][30][31][32].
Where they work
These workers typically work in private offices or meeting rooms[33]. They may also travel to a site that the parties agree on[33]. Legal services was the largest employer, at 33% of jobs in 2025[34]. BLS says most workers in this group work full time[35].
The work can be stressful. Workers sometimes deal with difficult or confrontational people, or with emotional situations such as injury settlements and family disputes[36].
Job outlook
BLS projects employment in this group to grow 4.7% from 2025 to 2035, from about 10,500 to 11,000 jobs[2]. Employment in all occupations is projected to grow 3.5% over the same period[37]. The projection counts include self-employed workers[2]. The wage survey count of about 9,210 jobs does not[38].
BLS expects about 300 openings a year[5]. Openings include jobs that appear when workers retire or switch occupations, not only new jobs[5]. Each year, 1.6% of workers leave the labor force and 1.2% move to a different occupation[39].
Is it a good fit?
The facts point to a field that pays above the all-occupation median but with a wide range from the lowest to the highest earners[1][3][4]. Entry usually takes a bachelor's degree, some related experience and on-the-job training[6]. Some states add certification rules[22]. Growth is projected to be a little faster than for all occupations, but this is a small field with about 300 openings a year[2][37][5]. The work can involve tense, emotional disputes[36].
Frequently asked questions
- How much does a mediator make an hour?
- The median was $36.31 an hour in May 2025[1]. The lowest-paid 10% earned less than $22.70 and the highest-paid 10% earned more than $74.73[9].
- What degree do you need to be a mediator?
- BLS lists a bachelor's degree as the typical entry education[6]. Some positions ask for a law degree, an MBA or another advanced degree[17].
- Do you need a license to be a mediator?
- There is no national license[22]. Some states require certification for certain types of cases, and requirements vary by state or court[22].
Facts and sources
- BLS OEWS, May 2025: the median wage for Arbitrators, Mediators, and Conciliators in the US was $75,530 per year and $36.31 per hour. Half of workers earned more and half earned less. BLS OEWS, May 2025
- BLS Employment Projections: employment of Arbitrators, Mediators, and Conciliators is projected to grow 4.7% from 2025 to 2035, from about 10,500 to 11,000 jobs (a change of +500). These counts include self-employed workers. BLS Employment Projections
- BLS OEWS, May 2025, annual wage percentiles for Arbitrators, Mediators, and Conciliators: 10th percentile $47,220, 25th percentile $57,360, 75th percentile $108,000, 90th percentile $155,440. The 10th percentile means 10% of workers earned less. BLS OEWS, May 2025
- BLS OEWS, May 2025: the median annual wage for all occupations in the US was $50,980. BLS OEWS, May 2025
- BLS Employment Projections: about 300 openings for Arbitrators, Mediators, and Conciliators are projected each year, on average, from 2025 to 2035. Openings include jobs that open when workers retire or move to other occupations, not only new jobs. BLS Employment Projections
- BLS Employment Projections, typical path into Arbitrators, Mediators, and Conciliators: education needed for entry: Bachelor's degree; work experience in a related occupation: Less than 5 years; typical on-the-job training: Moderate-term on-the-job training. BLS Employment Projections
- BLS OEWS FAQ: a percentile wage is a boundary. The median (50th percentile) separates the highest-paid 50% from the lowest-paid 50% of workers in the occupation. OEWS publishes percentile wages, not a starting salary. BLS OEWS, May 2025
- BLS OEWS, May 2025: the mean (average) wage for Arbitrators, Mediators, and Conciliators was $91,010 per year and $43.76 per hour. BLS OEWS, May 2025
- BLS OEWS, May 2025, hourly wage percentiles for Arbitrators, Mediators, and Conciliators: 10th percentile $22.70, 25th percentile $27.58, 75th percentile $51.92, 90th percentile $74.73. BLS OEWS, May 2025
- BLS OEWS FAQ: OEWS covers part-time and full-time workers paid a wage or salary. It does not cover the self-employed, owners and partners in unincorporated firms, household workers or unpaid family workers. OEWS wages do not include nonproduction bonuses or employer costs of benefits such as health insurance or retirement contributions. BLS OEWS, May 2025
- BLS Employment Projections: 9.5% of Arbitrators, Mediators, and Conciliators were self-employed in 2025. BLS Employment Projections
- Median annual wage for Arbitrators, Mediators, and Conciliators in every state with published data, May 2025 (table on this page). BLS OEWS, May 2025
- BLS OEWS, May 2025, states with the most Arbitrators, Mediators, and Conciliators jobs: New York 1,050; Pennsylvania 310; Wisconsin 260; Michigan 190; Arizona 160. BLS OEWS, May 2025
- BLS OEWS, May 2025, metro areas with the highest median annual wage for Arbitrators, Mediators, and Conciliators (areas with at least 100 jobs): San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA $129,180; Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV $109,920; San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA $108,150; Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, CA $106,910; San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA $84,460; Phoenix-Mesa-Chandler, AZ $82,150; New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ $77,430; Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD $74,520. BLS OEWS, May 2025
- BLS OEWS, May 2025, metro areas with the most Arbitrators, Mediators, and Conciliators jobs: New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ 600 (median $77,430); Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington, TX 210 (median $56,340); San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA 200 (median $108,150); Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV 190 (median $109,920); Austin-Round Rock-San Marcos, TX 170 (median $57,160); Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD 140 (median $74,520). BLS OEWS, May 2025
- Occupational Outlook Handbook, How to Become One. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
- Occupational Outlook Handbook, How to Become One: Education. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
- O*NET 23-1022.00 survey of workers (19 respondents), education level they say is required: First Professional Degree 37%, Bachelor's Degree 16%, Post-Baccalaureate Certificate 11%, Master's Degree 11%, Post-Master's Certificate 11%, Less than a High School Diploma 5%, Associate's Degree or other 2-year degree 5%, Doctoral Degree 5% (levels under 5% not listed). O*NET OnLine
- Occupational Outlook Handbook, How to Become One: Work Experience in a Related Occupation. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
- Occupational Outlook Handbook, How to Become One: Training. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
- Occupational Outlook Handbook, How to Become One: Training. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
- Occupational Outlook Handbook, How to Become One: Licenses, Certifications, and Registrations. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
- Occupational Outlook Handbook, How to Become One: Licenses, Certifications, and Registrations. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
- O*NET 23-1022.00: Job Zone Five: Extensive Preparation Needed. Extensive skill, knowledge, and experience are needed for these occupations. Many require more than five years of experience. For example, surgeons must complete four years of college and an additional five to seven years of specialized medical training to be able to do their job. O*NET OnLine
- O*NET description of Arbitrators, Mediators, and Conciliators. O*NET OnLine
- O*NET 23-1022.00 sample job titles reported by workers: Alternative Dispute Resolution Coordinator (ADR Coordinator), Arbiter, Arbitrator, Divorce Mediator, Family Mediator, Federal Mediator, Labor Arbitrator, Labor Mediator. O*NET OnLine
- O*NET task list for Arbitrators, Mediators, and Conciliators. O*NET OnLine
- Occupational Outlook Handbook, How to Become One: Important Qualities. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
- Occupational Outlook Handbook, How to Become One: Important Qualities. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
- Occupational Outlook Handbook, How to Become One: Important Qualities. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
- Occupational Outlook Handbook, How to Become One: Important Qualities. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
- Occupational Outlook Handbook, How to Become One: Important Qualities. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
- Occupational Outlook Handbook, Work Environment. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
- BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook, largest employers of arbitrators, mediators, and conciliators in 2025: Legal services 33%. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
- Occupational Outlook Handbook, Work Environment: Work Schedules. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
- Occupational Outlook Handbook, Work Environment. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
- BLS Employment Projections: employment in all occupations is projected to grow 3.5% from 2025 to 2035. BLS Employment Projections
- BLS OEWS, May 2025: about 9,210 people were employed as Arbitrators, Mediators, and Conciliators in the US (wage and salary jobs, not counting self-employed workers). BLS OEWS, May 2025
- BLS Employment Projections, 2025-35 annual average for Arbitrators, Mediators, and Conciliators: 1.6% of workers leave the labor force each year and 1.2% move to a different occupation. BLS Employment Projections
- Related occupations (O*NET) with BLS pay, growth and entry education. O*NET OnLine
This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerFacts has modified all or some of this information. USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.