Arbitrators, Mediators, and Conciliators
Arbitrators, mediators, and conciliators help resolve disputes between parties outside the court system by facilitating negotiations and dialogue. They work in law offices, government agencies, private mediation firms, and corporate settings, assisting parties in reaching mutually acceptable agreements on conflicts ranging from labor disputes to commercial disagreements.
Four short assessments and your background, scored against arbitrators, mediators, and conciliators and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
A day in the work
Work typically involves meeting with disputing parties separately and jointly to understand their positions, identifying areas of agreement, and proposing solutions. A mediator might spend mornings preparing case materials and reviewing previous settlement attempts, afternoons conducting mediation sessions, and time writing up agreements or case summaries. Projects vary from brief sessions resolving single issues to multi-week processes for complex disputes.
Who this work suits
Holland code ECS. Enterprising work is leading, persuading and making decisions. Aptly’s interest assessment scores you on the same six scales.
You likely excel at this work if you enjoy organizing information and following established procedures (conventional interests) while also building business relationships and influencing outcomes (enterprising interests). Success requires strong listening skills, patience with difficult negotiations, and the ability to remain impartial while steering conversations toward resolution.
What it takes
Preparation: Extensive preparation (graduate degree and/or many years of experience). Most people in this occupation hold a master’s degree.
Skills that matter most
Knowledge areas
Pay by state
| State | 25th pct | Median | 75th pct | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Illinois | $83,990 | $162,410 | $163,190 | 80 |
| District of Columbia | $86,440 | $110,300 | $126,410 | 150 |
| New Mexico | $68,060 | $110,180 | $155,670 | 40 |
| California | $75,170 | $97,680 | $121,670 | — |
| Colorado | $64,870 | $82,590 | $98,780 | 30 |
| Arizona | $65,410 | $82,150 | $100,440 | 160 |
| Virginia | $61,230 | $79,530 | $98,990 | 120 |
| Alabama | $49,220 | $76,810 | $88,510 | 40 |
| Michigan | $66,700 | $76,270 | $109,700 | 190 |
| North Carolina | $59,960 | $75,320 | $86,760 | 100 |
| New York | $48,450 | $70,800 | $102,170 | 1,050 |
| Ohio | $47,110 | $68,790 | $104,300 | 130 |
All 50 states, D.C. and Puerto Rico
Certifications people in this field hold
- Certified Professional Facilitator (CPF) — International Association of Facilitators
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 arbitrators, mediators, and conciliators and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
O*NET-SOC 23-1022.00 · O*NET OnLine. Pay: BLS OEWS May 2025, annual, U.S. Employment counts are national.