Administrative Law Judges, Adjudicators, and Hearing Officers
Administrative Law Judges, Adjudicators, and Hearing Officers conduct formal hearings and make decisions on disputes involving government programs, benefits, and regulations. They work for federal, state, or local agencies, reviewing evidence, hearing testimony, and issuing rulings that determine liability, eligibility, or penalties.
Four short assessments and your background, scored against administrative law judges, adjudicators, and hearing officers and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
A day in the work
A typical week involves reviewing case files and legal documents, conducting hearings where parties present evidence and testimony, and writing detailed decisions explaining findings and conclusions. Hearings may address Social Security benefits, unemployment claims, immigration matters, or occupational licensing disputes. The work requires careful analysis of regulations and precedent to reach defensible outcomes.
Who this work suits
Holland code CEI. Conventional work is organized, detail-oriented work with clear procedures. Aptly’s interest assessment scores you on the same six scales.
You thrive on structured decision-making and applying rules systematically to resolve disputes. You're organized and detail-oriented, comfortable with authority and formal procedures, and enjoy evaluating competing claims based on evidence and policy.
What it takes
Preparation: Extensive preparation (graduate degree and/or many years of experience). Most people in this occupation hold doct.
Skills that matter most
Knowledge areas
Pay by state
| State | 25th pct | Median | 75th pct | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| District of Columbia | $137,560 | $181,060 | $207,480 | 300 |
| Indiana | $117,000 | $145,290 | $207,480 | 70 |
| Alabama | $112,400 | $134,810 | $207,480 | 70 |
| Maryland | $83,630 | $133,460 | $175,720 | 430 |
| Wisconsin | $121,220 | $132,250 | $179,030 | 60 |
| North Carolina | $79,830 | $129,960 | $131,660 | 260 |
| Missouri | $90,190 | $129,670 | $207,480 | 160 |
| New Jersey | $105,930 | $128,320 | $161,430 | 330 |
| Michigan | $102,150 | $127,420 | $144,660 | 390 |
| Kansas | $118,680 | $126,570 | $136,990 | 40 |
| Louisiana | $88,610 | $126,440 | $207,480 | 140 |
| Minnesota | $97,860 | $126,360 | $139,780 | 120 |
All 50 states, D.C. and Puerto Rico
Certifications people in this field hold
- Law and Public Safety Introductory Level (LPSIL) — Law and Public Safety Education Network
Training
Aptly members see WIOA-approved programs, colleges and certificates near them, with completion and earnings data, on every Path plan.
Job titles in this occupation
Related occupations
Four short assessments and your background, scored against administrative law judges, adjudicators, and hearing officers and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
O*NET-SOC 23-1021.00 · O*NET OnLine. Pay: BLS OEWS May 2025, annual, U.S. Employment counts are national.