Arbitrators, Mediators, and Conciliators vs. Lawyers: Who Earns More?
Lawyerss out-earn Arbitrators, Mediators, and Conciliatorss by $84K a year at the national median, per BLS OEWS May 2025. Arbitrators, Mediators, and Conciliatorss land at $75,530 and Lawyerss at $159,670. The education gap is real: arbitrators, mediators, and conciliator programs typically require doctoral or professional degree, while lawyer programs require doctoral or professional degree. Top-paying state for Arbitrators, Mediators, and Conciliatorss is Illinois ($162,410); for Lawyerss it's New York ($207,860).
Pay by state
States where both occupations have BLS data, sorted by Arbitrators, Mediators, and Conciliators median pay.
Source: BLS OEWS May 2025. Highlighted value is higher in each row.
Common questions
Who earns more, Arbitrators, Mediators, and Conciliatorss or Lawyerss?
Lawyerss earn more nationally. The median is $75,530 for Arbitrators, Mediators, and Conciliatorss versus $159,670 for Lawyerss, a difference of $84K. Per BLS OEWS May 2025.
Which has better job growth, Arbitrators, Mediators, and Conciliators or Lawyers?
BLS Employment Projections data is not available for one or both occupations. Check the individual career pages for current outlook figures.
Which requires more education, Arbitrators, Mediators, and Conciliators or Lawyers?
Arbitrators, Mediators, and Conciliators typically requires doctoral or professional degree. Lawyers requires doctoral or professional degree. Education requirements vary by employer and state licensing board.
Where do Arbitrators, Mediators, and Conciliatorss get paid the most?
Illinois is the top-paying state for Arbitrators, Mediators, and Conciliatorss at $162,410/year, per BLS OEWS May 2025. Major metro areas within that state typically pay even more than the state average.
How does Arbitrators, Mediators, and Conciliators vs. Lawyers pay differ by state?
The gap varies significantly by state. In Illinois, Arbitrators, Mediators, and Conciliatorss earn $162,410 vs. $160,800 for Lawyerss. See the state comparison table on this page for the full picture.