How to Become an Administrative Law Judges, Adjudicators, and Hearing Officer in 2026
Median salary: $115,230 · -0.7% projected decline (2024–2034)
What does an Administrative Law Judges, Adjudicators, and Hearing Officer do?
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.
Administrative Law Judges, Adjudicators, and Hearing Officer Salary in 2026
The median annual salary for Administrative Law Judges, Adjudicators, and Hearing Officers is $115,230. The bottom 10% earn around $56,970 while the top 10% earn over $203,990.
| Experience level | Annual salary |
|---|---|
| Entry-level (P10) | $56,970 |
| Early career (P25) | $76,920 |
| Median | $115,230 |
| Experienced (P75) | $161,290 |
| Top earners (P90) | $203,990 |
Highest-paying metros
Administrative Law Judges, Adjudicators, and Hearing Officer salary by state
| State | Median salary |
|---|---|
| District of Columbiatop | $181,060 |
| Alabama | $149,760 |
| Indiana | $143,850 |
| Minnesota | $135,050 |
| Wisconsin | $129,750 |
| Maryland | $127,120 |
| Missouri | $127,070 |
| Kansas | $126,570 |
| New Jersey | $125,530 |
| Michigan | $125,420 |
| Massachusetts | $124,590 |
| Louisiana | $124,090 |
| Oklahoma | $124,090 |
| New York | $122,570 |
| Washington | $121,850 |
| Nebraska | $120,640 |
| Colorado | $120,290 |
| Arizona | $118,810 |
| Iowa | $116,820 |
| North Carolina | $115,090 |
| Florida | $113,730 |
| Tennessee | $110,140 |
| New Hampshire | $104,150 |
| West Virginia | $103,840 |
| Utah | $103,790 |
| Texas | $103,400 |
| Hawaii | $98,630 |
| Illinois | $96,420 |
| Pennsylvania | $96,100 |
| Virginia | $93,680 |
| South Carolina | $89,630 |
| Oregon | $89,220 |
| Connecticut | $87,790 |
| Nevada | $85,310 |
| Montana | $77,560 |
| Mississippi | $75,540 |
| Ohio | $75,250 |
| New Mexico | $65,580 |
| Georgia | $65,000 |
| Maine | $60,880 |
| Idaho | $58,410 |
| Kentucky | $57,960 |
| Delaware | $54,500 |
| Arkansas | $52,990 |
How to earn more as an Administrative Law Judges, Adjudicators, and Hearing Officer
The salary range for Administrative Law Judges, Adjudicators, and Hearing Officers spans $147,020 — from $56,970 at entry level to $203,990 for top earners. The highest-paying metro area is District of Columbia at $181,060 — $65,830 above the national median. An advanced credential — such as a graduate degree or specialized certification — is consistently associated with higher earnings in this field.
How to get there
Typical education: Doctoral or professional degree
Work experience: 5 years or more
On-the-job training: Short-term on-the-job training
Starting from high school
- Complete a doctoral or professional degree program (4–6 years undergrad + 2–4 years graduate)
- Pursue internships and co-op experiences during your studies
- 5 years or more
- Short-term on-the-job training
- Advance into full professional role after meeting experience requirements
Choose an accredited program with strong industry connections and internship placement rates. Look for schools that offer co-op programs where you alternate between study and paid work. Many employers recruit directly from university programs, so networking and career fairs are valuable. Consider the total return on investment — schools with lower tuition but strong placement rates often outperform expensive programs.
Graduate assistantships, fellowships, and employer sponsorship can significantly reduce costs. Research public university options.
With a related degree
- Complete additional coursework or a certificate program in the specialization
- Earn professional certifications (industry-recognized certifications)
- 5 years or more
- Position yourself for the role using your combined education and experience
Your existing degree covers many foundational requirements. Focus on the gap — often 3–6 specialized courses plus a certification or two. Many universities offer post-baccalaureate certificates that take 1–2 semesters. Online programs from accredited universities provide flexibility for working professionals.
Certificate programs and individual courses are much cheaper than a second degree. Many employers offer tuition reimbursement for career-relevant education.
Career change from another field
- Enroll in a graduate program in the field
- Earn required professional certifications
- Short-term on-the-job training
- Leverage your previous career skills for a differentiated profile
Career changers bring valuable perspective — employers increasingly value diverse backgrounds. Look for accelerated programs designed for career changers (many fields now offer 12–18 month intensive programs). Your prior professional experience in areas like project management, communication, and leadership transfer directly and can accelerate your advancement once you enter the field.
Career change scholarship programs exist in many fields. Some employers offer sign-on bonuses or student loan repayment assistance for in-demand specializations.
Already working in another career?
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SOC: 23-1021.00 · Data: O*NET 29.1, BLS OEWS 2024, BLS Employment Projections 2024–2034