Law & Government

Administrative Law Judges, Adjudicators, and Hearing Officers

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.

Median salary

$115,230

Typical range

$57k – $204k

Job outlook

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Education

Typical entry: Master's degree

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Typical progression

Administrative Law Judges, Adjudicators, and Hearing Officers Intern
Internship
$36,000
~4 mos to advance
Junior Administrative Law Judges, Adjudicators, and Hearing Officers
Entry / Junior
$56,970
~2 yrs to advance
Administrative Law Judges, Adjudicators, and Hearing Officers
Established
$115,230
~3 yrs to advance
Senior Administrative Law Judges, Adjudicators, and Hearing Officers
Senior
$159,610

Internships are a common on-ramp here — they speed up landing that first role and improve your odds, which is why the Safe and High-ceiling plans build one in.

Key skills

A typical day

•Determine existence and amount of liability according to current laws, administrative and judicial precedents, and available evidence.
•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.
•Prepare written opinions and decisions.
•Authorize payment of valid claims and determine method of payment.
•Conduct hearings to review and decide claims regarding issues, such as social program eligibility, environmental protection, or enforcement of health and safety regulations.

Fields of study

Any field

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