Arbitrators, Mediators, and Conciliators vs. Paralegals and Legal Assistants: Who Earns More?
Arbitrators, Mediators, and Conciliators out-earn Paralegals and Legal Assistants by $13K a year at the national median, per BLS OEWS May 2025. Arbitrators, Mediators, and Conciliators land at $75,530 and Paralegals and Legal Assistants at $62,890. The education gap is real: arbitrators, mediators, and conciliator programs typically require doctoral or professional degree, while paralegals and legal assistant programs require associate's degree. Top-paying state for Arbitrators, Mediators, and Conciliators is Illinois ($162,410); for Paralegals and Legal Assistants it's District of Columbia ($89,750).
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 Paralegals and Legal Assistants?
Arbitrators, Mediators, and Conciliators earn more nationally. The median is $75,530 for Arbitrators, Mediators, and Conciliators versus $62,890 for Paralegals and Legal Assistants, a difference of $13K. Per BLS OEWS May 2025.
Which has better job growth, Arbitrators, Mediators, and Conciliators or Paralegals and Legal Assistants?
Arbitrators, Mediators, and Conciliators has the better 10-year outlook at 4.3% projected growth, compared to 0.2% for the other field. Both are from BLS Employment Projections.
Which requires more education, Arbitrators, Mediators, and Conciliators or Paralegals and Legal Assistants?
Arbitrators, Mediators, and Conciliators typically requires doctoral or professional degree. Paralegals and Legal Assistants requires associate's 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. Paralegals and Legal Assistants pay differ by state?
The gap varies significantly by state. In Illinois, Arbitrators, Mediators, and Conciliators earn $162,410 vs. $63,670 for Paralegals and Legal Assistants. See the state comparison table on this page for the full picture.