Arbitrators, Mediators, and Conciliators vs. Lawyers: Who Earns More?
Lawyers out-earn Arbitrators, Mediators, and Conciliators by $84K a year at the national median, per BLS OEWS May 2025. Arbitrators, Mediators, and Conciliators land at $75,530 and Lawyers 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 Conciliators is Illinois ($162,410); for Lawyers 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 Conciliators or Lawyers?
Lawyers earn more nationally. The median is $75,530 for Arbitrators, Mediators, and Conciliators versus $159,670 for Lawyers, a difference of $84K. Per BLS OEWS May 2025.
Which has better job growth, Arbitrators, Mediators, and Conciliators or Lawyers?
Arbitrators, Mediators, and Conciliators has the better 10-year outlook at 4.3% projected growth, compared to 4.1% for the other field. Both are from BLS Employment Projections.
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 Conciliators get paid the most?
Illinois is the top-paying state for Arbitrators, Mediators, and Conciliators 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 Conciliators earn $162,410 vs. $160,800 for Lawyers. See the state comparison table on this page for the full picture.