Administrative Law Judges, Adjudicators, and Hearing Officers
O*NET 23-1021.00 · SOC 23-1021
Administrative Law Judge is a solid career choice. Median pay is $118k a year with 0% projected growth through 2035 (slower than average) and about 500 openings a year. AI exposure: Moderate.
Bureau of Labor Statistics projections 2025–2035 · Data updated 2026-07-27
What You'd Actually Do
- →Conduct hearings to review government agency benefit decisions.
- →Review evidence and testimony submitted by disputing parties.
- →Apply federal or state regulations when ruling on cases.
- →Write formal decisions explaining the legal basis for rulings.
- →Question witnesses to clarify facts during administrative hearings.
Education & How to Get In
Administrative Law Judge roles typically require a master's degree, doctorate, or professional degree. This is a long-term investment, expect 6–10 years of post-secondary education, but the depth of expertise commands strong compensation and career stability.
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Work Environment
Structured, offices, data centers, or remote
Independent, focused deep work with periodic team check-ins
A Day in the Life
While every role varies by employer and specialization, a typical day as an Administrative Law Judge involves a mix of core responsibilities:
Personality Fit (RIASEC)
Who Thrives as Administrative Law Judge?
Based on the interests and work style this role actually demands, these personality types tend to fit it best. Salary and growth tell you if a career is worth entering; personality fit tells you whether you'll still want it in five years.
Not sure which you are? Take the 7-minute quiz →
See Open Administrative Law Judge Roles
Browse live openings to get a feel for requirements and pay in your area.
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Job Outlook
Employment of Administrative Law Judges, Adjudicators, and Hearing Officers is projected to grow 0% from 2025 to 2035, slower than average for all occupations.
Will AI Replace This Job?
- ·41% routine cognitive tasks, high automation target
- ·34% social/interpersonal tasks, hard for AI to replace
Scored from the mix of routine, creative, physical and social tasks the role involves, adjusted for sector and projected growth. An estimate, not a forecast.
Common Questions
How much does an Administrative Law Judge make?
The median Administrative Law Judge earns $118k a year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics' May 2025 wage data. Half earn more than that and half earn less, and pay varies considerably by state, industry and experience.
Will AI replace Administrative Law Judge jobs?
Our model puts Administrative Law Judge at 40 out of 100 for automation exposure, which is moderate, likely AI-complementary. The main drivers: 41% routine cognitive tasks, high automation target; 34% social/interpersonal tasks, hard for AI to replace.
Is Administrative Law Judge a growing field?
Employment is projected to grow 0% between 2025 and 2035, which is slower than average. That works out to roughly 500 openings a year, counting both new positions and people leaving the occupation.
What degree do you need to be an Administrative Law Judge?
Administrative Law Judge roles generally require a master's, doctorate or professional degree, so plan for graduate study rather than a bachelor's alone.
How long does it take to become an Administrative Law Judge?
Typically six to ten years, typically a master's, doctorate or professional degree. O*NET classes this role as Job Zone 5 of 5, which describes how much preparation people in it usually have.
Is an Administrative Law Judge career right for you?
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