What You Need to Know About 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.
Life As an Administrative Law Judge, Adjudicator, or Hearing Officer
- 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.
- Explain to claimants how they can appeal rulings that go against them.
- Issue subpoenas and administer oaths in preparation for formal hearings.
- Recommend the acceptance or rejection of claims or compromise settlements according to laws, regulations, policies, and precedent decisions.
- Research and analyze laws, regulations, policies, and precedent decisions to prepare for hearings and to determine conclusions.
- Rule on exceptions, motions, and admissibility of evidence.
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Qualities of an Administrative Law Judge, Adjudicator, or Hearing Officer
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.
Types of Administrative Law Judge, Adjudicator, or Hearing Officer
- Field Hearing Officer
- Judge
- Hearing Examiner
- Surrogate
- Hearing Officer
Is There Going to be Demand for Administrative Law Judges, Adjudicators, and Hearing Officers?
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. Due to new job openings and attrition, there will be an average of 700 job openings in this field each 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?
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 each U.S. state?
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 & Technology do Administrative Law Judges, Adjudicators, and Hearing Officers Use?
Below is a list of the types of tools and technologies that Administrative Law Judges, Adjudicators, and Hearing Officers may use on a daily basis:
- 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
What education is needed to be an Administrative Law Judge, Adjudicator, or Hearing Officer?

How many years of work experience do I need?

Administrative Law Judges, Adjudicators, and Hearing Officers Sector

The table below shows the approximate number of Administrative Law Judges, Adjudicators, and Hearing Officers employed by various industries.

Other Jobs You May be Interested In
Those interested in being an Administrative Law Judge, Adjudicator, or Hearing Officer may also be interested in:
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.
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