Top Skills for This Career
BLS identifies these as the three highest-rated skills for this detailed occupation. TrustInEd adds the plain-language explanations so visitors understand what each skill means.
Understanding written information and communicating ideas clearly in writing.
Adjusting effectively when priorities, conditions, tools, or expectations change.
Identifying problems, considering possible solutions, and choosing appropriate actions.
How Do You Prepare for This Career?
BLS describes the typical preparation for this occupation. Requirements can vary by employer, state, licensing rules and individual circumstances.
How to Become One
Arbitrators, mediators, and conciliators typically need at least a bachelor's degree and related experience to enter the occupation. They learn their skills through a combination of education, training, and work experience. PayThe median annual wage for arbitrators, mediators, and conciliators was $75,530 in May 2025. Job Outlook Employment of arbitrators, mediators, and conciliators is projected to grow 5 percent from 2025 to 2035, faster than the average for all occupations. About 300 openings for arbitrators, mediators, and conciliators are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire. State & Area Data Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for arbitrators, mediators, and conciliators. Similar Occupations Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of arbitrators, mediators, and conciliators with similar occupations. More Information, Including Links to O*NET Learn more about arbitrators, mediators, and conciliators by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
Your Next Step
Compare colleges and education options that can support the typical entry-level education for this career.
Pay
The median annual wage for arbitrators, mediators, and conciliators was $75,530 in May 2025. Job Outlook Employment of arbitrators, mediators, and conciliators is projected to grow 5 percent from 2025 to 2035, faster than the average for all occupations. About 300 openings for arbitrators, mediators, and conciliators are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire. State & Area Data Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for arbitrators, mediators, and conciliators. Similar Occupations Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of arbitrators, mediators, and conciliators with similar occupations. More Information, Including Links to O*NET Learn more about arbitrators, mediators, and conciliators by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
Job Outlook
Employment of arbitrators, mediators, and conciliators is projected to grow 5 percent from 2025 to 2035, faster than the average for all occupations. About 300 openings for arbitrators, mediators, and conciliators are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire. State & Area Data Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for arbitrators, mediators, and conciliators. Similar Occupations Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of arbitrators, mediators, and conciliators with similar occupations. More Information, Including Links to O*NET Learn more about arbitrators, mediators, and conciliators by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
What They Do
Arbitrators, mediators, and conciliators facilitate negotiation through dialogue to help resolve conflicts outside of the court system.
Work Environment
Many arbitrators, mediators, and conciliators work in the legal services industry and for state or local governments. Most work full time.
How to Become an Arbitrator, Mediator, or Conciliator
Arbitrators, mediators, and conciliators typically need at least a bachelor's degree and related experience to enter the occupation. They learn their skills through a combination of education, training, and work experience.
Pay
The median annual wage for arbitrators, mediators, and conciliators was $75,530 in May 2025.
Job Outlook
Employment of arbitrators, mediators, and conciliators is projected to grow 5 percent from 2025 to 2035, faster than the average for all occupations.
About 300 openings for arbitrators, mediators, and conciliators are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.
State & Area Data
Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for arbitrators, mediators, and conciliators.
Similar Occupations
Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of arbitrators, mediators, and conciliators with similar occupations.
More Information, Including Links to O*NET
Learn more about arbitrators, mediators, and conciliators by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
Work Environment
Many arbitrators, mediators, and conciliators work in the legal services industry and for state or local governments. Most work full time.
How to Become an Arbitrator, Mediator, or Conciliator
Arbitrators, mediators, and conciliators typically need at least a bachelor's degree and related experience to enter the occupation. They learn their skills through a combination of education, training, and work experience.
Pay
The median annual wage for arbitrators, mediators, and conciliators was $75,530 in May 2025.
Job Outlook
Employment of arbitrators, mediators, and conciliators is projected to grow 5 percent from 2025 to 2035, faster than the average for all occupations.
About 300 openings for arbitrators, mediators, and conciliators are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.
State & Area Data
Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for arbitrators, mediators, and conciliators.
Similar Occupations
Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of arbitrators, mediators, and conciliators with similar occupations.
More Information, Including Links to O*NET
Learn more about arbitrators, mediators, and conciliators by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
State & Area Data
Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for arbitrators, mediators, and conciliators.
Similar Occupations
Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of arbitrators, mediators, and conciliators with similar occupations.
More Information, Including Links to O*NET
Learn more about arbitrators, mediators, and conciliators by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
More Information
Learn more about arbitrators, mediators, and conciliators by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
Take the Next Step
Find Education Programs
Compare colleges and education options that can support the typical entry-level education for this career.
Explore pathway →Hear From ED
Use the guided career counseling experience to connect this career to your goals, skills and education preferences.
Start with ED →Career data and occupational profile text are sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook and Employment Projections program. Education requirements are typical entry-level requirements and may vary by employer, state, occupation or individual circumstance. View the official BLS profile.