Administrative Law Judges, Adjudicators, and Hearing Officers
Conduct hearings to recommend or make decisions on claims concerning government programs or other government-related matters. Determine liability, sanctions, or penalties, or recommend the acceptance or rejection of claims or settlements.
Common Job Titles
- Administrative Hearings Officer
- Administrative Judge
- Administrative Law Judge
- Hearings Officer
What You'll Need to Succeed
AI-generatedKey competencies for this occupation at a glance
- KnowledgeEvaluate evidence and testimony against legal standards and regulatory requirements during formal administrative hearings to determine liability, sanctions, or penalties.Advanced
- KnowledgeAnalyze complex legal claims and government program disputes using critical thinking and legal research databases such as LexisNexis and Westlaw.Advanced
- KnowledgeSynthesize legal precedents, statutory regulations, and case facts into written decisions independently, adhering to administrative law procedures and due process requirements.Advanced
- MindsetIntegrate impartiality and procedural fairness principles into hearing management while balancing competing interests of claimants, government agencies, and the public.Advanced
- KnowledgeAssess credibility of witnesses and reliability of documentary evidence through active listening and social perceptiveness during testimony and cross-examination.Advanced
- KnowledgeFormulate reasoned legal opinions and recommendations on contested matters using Microsoft Office and legal research software to document findings and rationale.Advanced
- KnowledgeInterpret federal and state statutes, regulations, and administrative codes to determine applicability to contested cases involving government programs.Proficient
- MindsetAdvocate for transparency and accountability in administrative adjudication processes when conducting public hearings and issuing written opinions.Proficient
- MindsetBalance conflicting legal arguments and stakeholder positions when negotiating settlements or recommending claim resolutions under time constraints.Proficient
- KnowledgeApply procedural rules and evidentiary standards to manage hearings efficiently, ensuring due process for all parties in administrative proceedings.Proficient
Wage Data According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics
Annual wage data for Administrative Law Judges, Adjudicators, and Hearing Officers (2024)
Estimated Total Employment (U.S.)
16,230
Wage Distribution by Percentile
Line chart of annual wages by percentile. U.S. is the solid line. 10th percentile: U.S. $56,970. 25th percentile: U.S. $76,920. 50th percentile: U.S. $115,230. 75th percentile: U.S. $161,290. 90th percentile: U.S. $203,990. Use the left and right arrow keys to move between percentiles.
- U.S.
| Metric | U.S. |
|---|---|
| 10% of workers earn the following or less | $56,970 |
| 10% of workers earn the following or more | $203,990 |
| Workers on average earn | $122,620 |
+ indicates wage is at or above the BLS reporting cap ($239,200/year)
Skills & Requirements
Key competencies for this occupation, ranked by importance
- Law and Government4.8/5
- English Language4.1/5
- Customer and Personal Service3.9/5
- Administrative3.4/5
- Medicine and Dentistry3.3/5
Tools & Technology
Equipment and software commonly used in this occupation
In-Demand Technology
Frequently requested by employers in job postings
- Adobe Acrobat
- Microsoft Access
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Office software
- Microsoft Outlook
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Microsoft Windows
- Microsoft Word
- SAP software
Technology Skills
- Courtroom scheduling software
- Email software
- Instant messaging software
- LexisNexis
- Online databases
- Thomson Reuters Westlaw
- Videoconferencing software
- Web browser software
Tools & Equipment
- Computer laser printers
- Courtroom microphones
- Desktop computers
- Digital audio recorders
- Digital video players
- Gavels
- Laptop computers
- Laser facsimile machines