Administrative Law Judges, Adjudicators, and Hearing Officers: Salary, Education, and Career Path (2026)
The U.S. has 16,230 administrative law judges, adjudicators, and hearing officers, and they earn a median of $115,230/year. The range runs from $57K to $204K. District of Columbia pays the most.
What it takes
The BLS lists the typical education for this role as varies by employer.
Entry-level administrative law judges, adjudicators, and hearing officers start around $57K. The gap between that and the median ($115K) is where experience, certifications, and location make the difference.
Top earners clear $204K, but that's the 90th percentile. Getting there usually takes a decade or more of experience, the right credentials, and being in a high-paying market.
Salary progression
Highest paying states
| State | Median salary | Employment |
|---|---|---|
| District of Columbia | $181K | 300 |
| Alabama | $150K | 80 |
| Indiana | $144K | 70 |
| Minnesota | $135K | 160 |
| Wisconsin | $130K | 50 |
| Maryland | $127K | 410 |
| Missouri | $127K | 190 |
| Kansas | $127K | 40 |
| New Jersey | $126K | 320 |
| Michigan | $125K | 360 |
Frequently asked questions
How much does a administrative law judges, adjudicators, and hearing officers make?▼
The median administrative law judges, adjudicators, and hearing officers salary in the United States is $115,230 per year ($55/hour). Entry-level positions start around $56,970, while experienced professionals earn up to $203,990.
What education do you need to become a administrative law judges, adjudicators, and hearing officers?▼
The BLS lists the typical entry-level education as varies by employer. State licensing or certification requirements vary, so check your state's board for specifics.
What is the job outlook for administrative law judges, adjudicators, and hearing officers?▼
Check the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook for the latest employment projections for administrative law judges, adjudicators, and hearing officers.
What are the highest paying states for administrative law judges, adjudicators, and hearing officers?▼
The highest paying states for administrative law judges, adjudicators, and hearing officers are District of Columbia ($181,060), Alabama ($149,760), Indiana ($143,850), Minnesota ($135,050), Wisconsin ($129,750). Salaries vary significantly by location due to cost of living and local demand.