How to become an arbitrator, mediators, and conciliators
Facilitate negotiation and conflict resolution through dialogue. Resolve conflicts outside of the court system by mutual consent of parties involved.
Steps to get there
Most employers expect most of these occupations require graduate school. for example, they may require a master's degree, and some require a ph.d., m.d., or j.d. (law degree)..Extensive skill, knowledge, and experience are needed for these occupations. Many require more than five years of experience. For example, surgeons must complete four years of college and an additional five to seven years of specialized medical training to be able to do their job.
What arbitrators, mediators, and conciliators do
- Prepare written opinions or decisions regarding cases.
- Apply relevant laws, regulations, policies, or precedents to reach conclusions.
- Conduct hearings to obtain information or evidence relative to disposition of claims.
- Determine extent of liability according to evidence, laws, or administrative or judicial precedents.
- Rule on exceptions, motions, or admissibility of evidence.
- Confer with disputants to clarify issues, identify underlying concerns, and develop an understanding of their respective needs and interests.
Skills that matter most
- Active Listening
- Writing
- Reading Comprehension
- Speaking
- Critical Thinking
- Active Learning
- Learning Strategies
- Monitoring
Is arbitrator, mediators, and conciliators a good career?
On the numbers, this job pays above the typical job. Median pay is 48% above the all-occupation median. Whether it fits you depends on the work itself, the schooling you are willing to do and where you want to live.
Where it pays most
- Illinois $162,410
- District of Columbia $110,300
- New Mexico $110,180
- Colorado $82,590
- Arizona $82,150
Arbitrators, Mediators, and Conciliators salary by state and city
Sources: O*NET® 31.0 (CC BY 4.0, USDOL/ETA) and BLS Employment Projections 2025–35. Pay: BLS OEWS May 2025.