What You Need to Know About Administrative Law Judge, Adjudicator, or Hearing Officer
Administrative Law Judge, Adjudicator, or Hearing Officer Definition 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.
Life As an Administrative Law Judge, Adjudicator, or Hearing Officer
- Recommend the acceptance or rejection of claims or compromise settlements according to laws, regulations, policies, and precedent decisions.
- 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.
- Rule on exceptions, motions, and admissibility of evidence.
- Conduct studies of appeals procedures in field agencies to ensure adherence to legal requirements and to facilitate determination of cases.
- Issue subpoenas and administer oaths in preparation for formal hearings.
- Confer with individuals or organizations involved in cases to obtain relevant information.
Featured schools near , edit
Administrative Law Judge, Adjudicator, or Hearing Officer Needed Skills
Administrative Law Judges, Adjudicators, and Hearing Officers state the following job skills are important in their day-to-day work.
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.
Types of Administrative Law Judge, Adjudicator, or Hearing Officer Jobs
- Commissioner
- Claims Examiner
- Workforce Advisor
- Adjudicator
- Traffic Court Referee
Administrative Law Judge, Adjudicator, or Hearing Officer Employment Estimates
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. The BLS estimates 700 yearly job openings in this field.

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.
Administrative Law Judge, Adjudicator, or Hearing Officer Salary
The salary for Administrative Law Judges, Adjudicators, and Hearing Officers ranges between about $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 |
What Tools do Administrative Law Judges, Adjudicators, and Hearing Officers Use?
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 to Become an Administrative Law Judge, Adjudicator, or Hearing Officer
Education needed to be an Administrative Law Judge, Adjudicator, or Hearing Officer:

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

Who Employs Administrative Law Judges, Adjudicators, and Hearing Officers?

The table below shows some of the most common industries where those employed in this career field work.

You May Also 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
![]() |
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 > |