Find Schools

Study Area & Zipcode

Administrative Law Judge, Adjudicator, or Hearing Officer

Find Schools Near

Life As an Administrative Law Judge, Adjudicator, or Hearing Officer

Career Description 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.

List of Administrative Law Judge, Adjudicator, or Hearing Officer Job Duties

  • Issue subpoenas and administer oaths in preparation for formal hearings.
  • Conduct studies of appeals procedures in field agencies to ensure adherence to legal requirements and to facilitate determination of cases.
  • Rule on exceptions, motions, and admissibility of evidence.
  • Explain to claimants how they can appeal rulings that go against them.
  • Determine existence and amount of liability according to current laws, administrative and judicial precedents, and available evidence.
  • Conduct hearings to review and decide claims regarding issues such as social program eligibility, environmental protection, or enforcement of health and safety regulations.

Administrative Law Judge, Adjudicator, or Hearing Officer Needed Skills

When polled, Administrative Law Judges, Adjudicators, and Hearing Officers say the following skills are most frequently used in their jobs:

Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.

Reading Comprehension: Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.

Complex Problem Solving: Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.

Active Listening: Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.

Writing: Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.

Judgment and Decision Making: Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.

  • Administrative Hearing Officer
  • Administrative Law Judge
  • Social Services Analyst
  • Appellate Conferee
  • Judge

Administrative Law Judge, Adjudicator, or Hearing Officer Job Outlook

There were about 15,400 jobs for Administrative Law Judge, Adjudicator, or Hearing Officer in 2016 (in the United States). New jobs are being produced at a rate of 3.9% which is below the national average. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts 600 new jobs for Administrative Law Judge, Adjudicator, or Hearing Officer by 2026. There will be an estimated 700 positions for Administrative Law Judge, Adjudicator, or Hearing Officer per year.

undefined

The states with the most job growth for Administrative Law Judge, Adjudicator, or Hearing Officer are Rhode Island, Utah, and Arkansas. Watch out if you plan on working in Maryland, New Jersey, or Wisconsin. These states have the worst job growth for this type of profession.

Do Administrative Law Judges, Adjudicators, and Hearing Officers Make A Lot Of Money?

Administrative Law Judges, Adjudicators, and Hearing Officers make between $45,120 and $169,640 a year.

undefined

Administrative Law Judges, Adjudicators, and Hearing Officers who work in Massachusetts, California, or Missouri, make the highest salaries.

How much do Administrative Law Judges, Adjudicators, and Hearing Officers make in different U.S. states?

State Annual Mean Salary
Alabama $124,100
Alaska $107,150
Arizona $92,300
Arkansas $64,070
California $117,810
Colorado $109,350
Connecticut $100,590
Delaware $65,930
Florida $111,320
Georgia $75,900
Idaho $86,190
Illinois $95,120
Indiana $112,630
Iowa $104,910
Kansas $118,070
Kentucky $57,090
Louisiana $74,160
Maine $66,010
Maryland $105,950
Massachusetts $131,800
Michigan $110,970
Minnesota $113,760
Mississippi $108,330
Missouri $121,450
Montana $73,900
Nebraska $61,000
Nevada $79,330
New Hampshire $79,770
New Jersey $111,660
New Mexico $73,270
New York $106,500
North Carolina $103,420
Ohio $96,790
Oklahoma $95,420
Oregon $85,550
Pennsylvania $92,910
South Carolina $96,640
Tennessee $97,950
Texas $116,320
Utah $84,010
Vermont $72,740
Virginia $98,830
Washington $108,810
West Virginia $74,470
Wisconsin $111,230

Tools & Technologies Used by Administrative Law Judges, Adjudicators, and Hearing Officers

Although they’re not necessarily needed for all jobs, the following technologies are used by many Administrative Law Judges, Adjudicators, and Hearing Officers:

  • Microsoft Excel
  • Microsoft Word
  • Microsoft Office
  • Microsoft PowerPoint
  • Microsoft Outlook
  • Web browser software
  • Microsoft Access
  • Email software
  • Word processing software
  • Microsoft Windows
  • Adobe Systems Adobe Acrobat
  • LexisNexis
  • SAP software
  • Online databases
  • Videoconferencing software
  • Instant messaging software
  • Thomson Reuters WestLaw
  • Courtroom scheduling software

How do I Become an Administrative Law Judge, Adjudicator, or Hearing Officer?

Learn what Administrative Law Judge, Adjudicator, or Hearing Officer education requirements there are.

undefined

What work experience do I need to become an Administrative Law Judge, Adjudicator, or Hearing Officer?

undefined

Where Administrative Law Judges, Adjudicators, and Hearing Officers Are Employed

undefined

Below are examples of industries where Administrative Law Judges, Adjudicators, and Hearing Officers work:

undefined

Other Jobs You May be Interested In

Those thinking about becoming an Administrative Law Judge, Adjudicator, or Hearing Officer might also be interested in the following careers:

Those who work as an Administrative Law Judge, Adjudicator, or Hearing Officer sometimes switch careers to one of these choices:

References:

Image Credit: Okan Г‡alД±Еџkan via CC0 Public Domain

More about our data sources and methodologies.

Featured Schools

Find Schools Near You

Our free school finder matches students with accredited colleges across the U.S.