Arbitrators, Mediators, and Conciliators vs. Paralegals and Legal Assistants: Who Earns More?
Arbitrators, Mediators, and Conciliatorss out-earn Paralegals and Legal Assistantss by $13K a year at the national median, per BLS OEWS May 2025. Arbitrators, Mediators, and Conciliatorss land at $75,530 and Paralegals and Legal Assistantss 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 Conciliatorss is Illinois ($162,410); for Paralegals and Legal Assistantss 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 Conciliatorss or Paralegals and Legal Assistantss?
Arbitrators, Mediators, and Conciliatorss earn more nationally. The median is $75,530 for Arbitrators, Mediators, and Conciliatorss versus $62,890 for Paralegals and Legal Assistantss, a difference of $13K. Per BLS OEWS May 2025.
Which has better job growth, Arbitrators, Mediators, and Conciliators or Paralegals and Legal Assistants?
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 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 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. Paralegals and Legal Assistants pay differ by state?
The gap varies significantly by state. In Illinois, Arbitrators, Mediators, and Conciliatorss earn $162,410 vs. $63,670 for Paralegals and Legal Assistantss. See the state comparison table on this page for the full picture.