Salary and Outlook

According to the US Department of Labor, there are 8,900 people employed as arbitrators, mediators, and conciliators in the United States. The median annual salary is $49,410. Entry level employees earn approximately $29,990 per year and senior employees earn approximately $110,350 per year.

Estimates do not include other potential benefits such as health insurance, overtime pay, or retirement benefits that may be offered by employers.

Job Duties

• Conduct initial meetings with disputants to outline the arbitration process, settle procedural matters, such as fees, or determine details, such as witness numbers or time requirements.
• Issue subpoenas or administer oaths to prepare for formal hearings.
• Prepare settlement agreements for disputants to sign.
• Set up appointments for parties to meet for mediation.
• Research laws, regulations, policies, or precedent decisions to prepare for hearings.
• Determine extent of liability according to evidence, laws, or administrative or judicial precedents.
• Authorize payment of valid claims.
• Interview claimants, agents, or witnesses to obtain information about disputed issues.
• Conduct studies of appeals procedures to ensure adherence to legal requirements or to facilitate disposition of cases.
• Recommend acceptance or rejection of compromise settlement offers.
• Evaluate information from documents, such as claim applications, birth or death certificates, or physician or employer records.
• Specialize in the negotiation and resolution of environmental conflicts involving issues such as natural resource allocation or regional development planning.
• Organize or deliver public presentations about mediation to organizations, such as community agencies or schools.
• Participate in court proceedings.
• 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.
• Use mediation techniques to facilitate communication between disputants, to further parties' understanding of different perspectives, and to guide parties toward mutual agreement.
• Confer with disputants to clarify issues, identify underlying concerns, and develop an understanding of their respective needs and interests.
• Rule on exceptions, motions, or admissibility of evidence.

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