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.
Featured schools near , edit
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.
Related Job Titles for this Occupation:
- 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.
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.
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.
What work experience do I need to become an Administrative Law Judge, Adjudicator, or Hearing Officer?
Where Administrative Law Judges, Adjudicators, and Hearing Officers Are Employed
Below are examples of industries where Administrative Law Judges, Adjudicators, and Hearing Officers work:
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
Request Info | Southern New Hampshire University You have goals. Southern New Hampshire University can help you get there. Whether you need a bachelor's degree to get into a career or want a master's degree to move up in your current career, SNHU has an online program for you. Find your degree from over 200 online programs. Learn More > |