About the role
Explore Careers
Arbitrator / Mediator
O*NET-SOC: 23-1022.00
Legal
Facilitates negotiation and conflict resolution between disputing parties outside of the court system, using mediation, arbitration, and conciliation techniques to reach settlements.
See your fit
Take the quiz to see how you match
Take the Quiz
$68K
Median Salary
+5%
Stable
Bachelor's Degree
Min. Education
Good Balance
Work-Life Balance
About This Role
An arbitrator or mediator steps into the tense space between disputing parties, often in a quiet conference room or virtual meeting platform, tasked with guiding them toward resolution without the adversarial grind of court. Day-to-day, they begin by reviewing case files - contracts, emails, witness statements - to grasp the core conflict, whether it's a bitter labor dispute, a fractured business partnership, or a neighborhood feud over property lines. They schedule initial separate interviews, listening intently as each side vents frustrations, clarifies positions, and reveals hidden interests, all while maintaining strict confidentiality to build trust. In joint sessions, the mediator facilitates dialogue, interrupting heated exchanges to reframe arguments neutrally - 'It sounds like you're both concerned about fairness in profit sharing' - and probes for common ground, perhaps suggesting creative options like phased payments or mediated apologies. Arbitrators go further, hearing formal arguments, weighing evidence against laws or precedents, and issuing binding decisions that parties must accept. Responsibilities include setting fees upfront, preparing settlement documents for signatures, and sometimes presiding over mini-trials where executives present cases. Decisions hinge on balancing empathy with impartiality, like ruling on liability in a contract breach by analyzing emails and financial records. This role suits patient, unflappable communicators with legal savvy or psychology backgrounds, who thrive on intellectual puzzles and human drama yet detach emotionally from high-stakes emotions. Rewards come from witnessing breakthroughs - a relieved handshake after hours of deadlock - and knowing they've spared families or companies costly litigation. Challenges abound: stubborn parties digging in, cultural misunderstandings complicating talks, or the pressure of imperfect information leading to contested outcomes. Burnout looms from emotional labor, but the intellectual autonomy and impact on real lives keep practitioners engaged.
A Day in the Life
8:00 AM
Review case files
Scan documents, emails, and prior notes for today's mediation on a commercial dispute. Identify key issues and prepare neutral opening questions.
9:00 AM
Conduct separate interviews
Meet individually with each party via video call to hear their side, clarify facts, and gauge underlying interests without judgment.
10:30 AM
Facilitate joint session
Guide parties through opening statements in a conference room, interrupt escalations, and reframe positions to foster dialogue.
12:00 PM
Lunch break
Step away for a quick meal while jotting notes on progress and potential breakthroughs observed so far.
1:00 PM
Explore settlement options
Brainstorm creative solutions like installment payments, presenting them neutrally for parties to evaluate.
2:30 PM
Draft agreement terms
Outline binding or non-binding settlement language based on concessions, review with parties for buy-in.
4:00 PM
Finalize and document
Prepare signed agreements or arbitration decision, ensure all parties understand terms, and file confidential records.
5:00 PM
Wrap up and prep next case
Debrief session outcomes internally and review files for tomorrow's family dispute mediation.
Tools & Technologies
ERP Systems
PeopleSoft SAP Spreadsheets Microsoft Excel Office Suites Microsoft Office Email Microsoft Outlook Databases & Data Tools Microsoft Access Presentations Microsoft PowerPoint Salary Details
Salary Distribution
Salary distribution for Arbitrator / Mediator: 10th percentile $46K, 25th $60K, median $68K, 75th $101K, 90th $133K Median $46K $60K $68K $101K $133K
Most professionals earn between $60K and $101K
Arbitrator / Mediator salary percentile distribution Percentile Salary 10th $46K 25th $60K 50th (Median) $68K 75th $101K 90th $133K
Salary by State
Arbitrator / Mediator salary by state State Median Salary Salary Range District of Columbia $107K $68K - $160K Illinois $94K $55K - $159K New York $91K $65K - $130K Alabama $82K $46K - $123K Connecticut $82K $50K - $122K Arizona $81K $51K - $127K North Carolina $74K $54K - $96K Michigan $73K $39K - $125K Indiana $72K $42K - $110K Virginia $70K $47K - $125K Kansas $66K $46K - $81K Colorado $65K $37K - $117K Wisconsin $65K $47K - $119K New Mexico $65K $56K - $136K Pennsylvania $64K $49K - $103K Tennessee $60K $43K - $88K Utah $56K $38K - $79K South Carolina $55K $42K - $85K Iowa $51K $39K - $55K Maryland $48K $43K - $123K Louisiana $48K $46K - $87K Texas $48K $38K - $76K North Dakota $44K $42K - $81K
Certifications, Training & Memberships
Essential
Certified Mediator (CM)
Association for Conflict Resolution
Certification
Requires training in mediation techniques and observed sessions. Demonstrates core skills in facilitating dialogue.
Recommended
Advanced Mediation Practitioner (AM)
Center for Mediation in Law
Certification
Builds on basic training with advanced case handling and ethics. Focuses on complex disputes.
FINRA Mediator
Financial Industry Regulatory Authority
Certification
Specialized for securities disputes, requiring industry knowledge and mediation experience.
Helpful
Mediation Fundamentals Course
American Arbitration Association
Course
40-hour program covering process, ethics, and practice mediations.
Professional Memberships
Member, Association for Conflict Resolution (ACR)
Association for Conflict Resolution
Membership
Professional network for mediators offering resources and continuing education.
Work Environment
Remote Work Hybrid (Remote + Office)
Work Setting Traditional office / indoor
Physical Activity Mostly sedentary
Social Interaction Highly collaborative — frequent team interaction
Schedule Extended hours common
Your Skills & Attributes
Skills & Competencies Matches (49)
Speaking
Strong Match
Critical Thinking
Strong Match
Active Learning
Good Match
Social Perceptiveness
Good Match
Persuasion
Good Match
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Arbitrator / Mediator a good career?
Arbitrator / Mediator can be a rewarding career choice. Based on current data, the median salary is $68K and job outlook is stable (5% projected growth). Whether it's a good fit depends on your skills, interests, and values — take our quiz to find out how well you match.
What degree do you need to become a Arbitrator / Mediator?
The typical education requirement for a Arbitrator / Mediator is a Bachelor's Degree. However, requirements can vary by employer and specialization. Some professionals enter the field with alternative credentials or relevant work experience.
How long does it take to become a Arbitrator / Mediator?
Becoming a Arbitrator / Mediator typically requires about 4 years of undergraduate study. Additional time may be needed for certifications, internships, or on-the-job training depending on the specific role and employer requirements.
What is the work-life balance like for a Arbitrator / Mediator?
The work-life balance for a Arbitrator / Mediator is generally considered good, with reasonable hours and manageable workloads. Individual experiences vary based on employer, specialization, seniority level, and geographic location.
What is the job outlook for Arbitrator / Mediator?
The job outlook for Arbitrator / Mediator is stable. Employment is projected to grow by 5% over the coming decade. Labor market conditions can vary by region and specialization.
Find Arbitrator / Mediator Jobs
Google Jobs
(opens in new tab)
Aggregated listings from across the web
Search Arbitrator / Mediator jobs
Indeed
(opens in new tab)
One of the largest job search engines
Search Arbitrator / Mediator jobs
(opens in new tab)
Professional network job listings
Search Arbitrator / Mediator jobs
Related Careers
Use arrow keys or swipe to scroll through related career cards
Legal
Judicial Law Clerk
Assists judges in courts of law by researching legal issues, drafting memoranda and opinions, reviewing case materials, and verifying the accuracy of citations and legal references.
Legal
Lawyer
Represents clients in criminal and civil litigation and other legal proceedings, draws up legal documents, or manages and advises clients on legal transactions. Conducts research, interprets laws and regulations, and presents evidence and arguments in court.
Legal
Paralegal and Legal Assistant
Assists lawyers by researching legal precedent, drafting documents, organizing case files, and preparing for trials, hearings, and closings under attorney supervision.
Not the right fit? Search for Arbitrator / Mediator jobs in Legal, Alberta, Canada
About Scrypath
Scrypath is a data-driven career discovery and planning platform.
We combine structured labor market data, occupational research, and personalized assessment tools to help individuals explore career paths with clarity.
Our platform provides detailed insights into hundreds of occupations, including salary data, job outlook, required skills, education pathways, and related roles. By integrating public labor market sources such as O*NET and the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Scrypath presents career information in a structured and practical format.
Users can assess career fit through a personalized quiz and explore recommended pathways, certifications, and progression options.
Scrypath is designed to support informed career decisions for students, career changers, and early-stage professionals.
Visit us on scrypath.com
Similar Jobs
About the role
Explore Careers
Arbitrator / Mediator
O*NET-SOC: 23-1022.00
Legal
Facilitates negotiation and conflict resolution between disputing parties outside of the court system, using mediation, arbitration, and conciliation techniques to reach settlements.
See your fit
Take the quiz to see how you match
Take the Quiz
$68K
Median Salary
+5%
Stable
Bachelor's Degree
Min. Education
Good Balance
Work-Life Balance
About This Role
An arbitrator or mediator steps into the tense space between disputing parties, often in a quiet conference room or virtual meeting platform, tasked with guiding them toward resolution without the adversarial grind of court. Day-to-day, they begin by reviewing case files - contracts, emails, witness statements - to grasp the core conflict, whether it's a bitter labor dispute, a fractured business partnership, or a neighborhood feud over property lines. They schedule initial separate interviews, listening intently as each side vents frustrations, clarifies positions, and reveals hidden interests, all while maintaining strict confidentiality to build trust. In joint sessions, the mediator facilitates dialogue, interrupting heated exchanges to reframe arguments neutrally - 'It sounds like you're both concerned about fairness in profit sharing' - and probes for common ground, perhaps suggesting creative options like phased payments or mediated apologies. Arbitrators go further, hearing formal arguments, weighing evidence against laws or precedents, and issuing binding decisions that parties must accept. Responsibilities include setting fees upfront, preparing settlement documents for signatures, and sometimes presiding over mini-trials where executives present cases. Decisions hinge on balancing empathy with impartiality, like ruling on liability in a contract breach by analyzing emails and financial records. This role suits patient, unflappable communicators with legal savvy or psychology backgrounds, who thrive on intellectual puzzles and human drama yet detach emotionally from high-stakes emotions. Rewards come from witnessing breakthroughs - a relieved handshake after hours of deadlock - and knowing they've spared families or companies costly litigation. Challenges abound: stubborn parties digging in, cultural misunderstandings complicating talks, or the pressure of imperfect information leading to contested outcomes. Burnout looms from emotional labor, but the intellectual autonomy and impact on real lives keep practitioners engaged.
A Day in the Life
8:00 AM
Review case files
Scan documents, emails, and prior notes for today's mediation on a commercial dispute. Identify key issues and prepare neutral opening questions.
9:00 AM
Conduct separate interviews
Meet individually with each party via video call to hear their side, clarify facts, and gauge underlying interests without judgment.
10:30 AM
Facilitate joint session
Guide parties through opening statements in a conference room, interrupt escalations, and reframe positions to foster dialogue.
12:00 PM
Lunch break
Step away for a quick meal while jotting notes on progress and potential breakthroughs observed so far.
1:00 PM
Explore settlement options
Brainstorm creative solutions like installment payments, presenting them neutrally for parties to evaluate.
2:30 PM
Draft agreement terms
Outline binding or non-binding settlement language based on concessions, review with parties for buy-in.
4:00 PM
Finalize and document
Prepare signed agreements or arbitration decision, ensure all parties understand terms, and file confidential records.
5:00 PM
Wrap up and prep next case
Debrief session outcomes internally and review files for tomorrow's family dispute mediation.
Tools & Technologies
ERP Systems
PeopleSoft SAP Spreadsheets Microsoft Excel Office Suites Microsoft Office Email Microsoft Outlook Databases & Data Tools Microsoft Access Presentations Microsoft PowerPoint Salary Details
Salary Distribution
Salary distribution for Arbitrator / Mediator: 10th percentile $46K, 25th $60K, median $68K, 75th $101K, 90th $133K Median $46K $60K $68K $101K $133K
Most professionals earn between $60K and $101K
Arbitrator / Mediator salary percentile distribution Percentile Salary 10th $46K 25th $60K 50th (Median) $68K 75th $101K 90th $133K
Salary by State
Arbitrator / Mediator salary by state State Median Salary Salary Range District of Columbia $107K $68K - $160K Illinois $94K $55K - $159K New York $91K $65K - $130K Alabama $82K $46K - $123K Connecticut $82K $50K - $122K Arizona $81K $51K - $127K North Carolina $74K $54K - $96K Michigan $73K $39K - $125K Indiana $72K $42K - $110K Virginia $70K $47K - $125K Kansas $66K $46K - $81K Colorado $65K $37K - $117K Wisconsin $65K $47K - $119K New Mexico $65K $56K - $136K Pennsylvania $64K $49K - $103K Tennessee $60K $43K - $88K Utah $56K $38K - $79K South Carolina $55K $42K - $85K Iowa $51K $39K - $55K Maryland $48K $43K - $123K Louisiana $48K $46K - $87K Texas $48K $38K - $76K North Dakota $44K $42K - $81K
Certifications, Training & Memberships
Essential
Certified Mediator (CM)
Association for Conflict Resolution
Certification
Requires training in mediation techniques and observed sessions. Demonstrates core skills in facilitating dialogue.
Recommended
Advanced Mediation Practitioner (AM)
Center for Mediation in Law
Certification
Builds on basic training with advanced case handling and ethics. Focuses on complex disputes.
FINRA Mediator
Financial Industry Regulatory Authority
Certification
Specialized for securities disputes, requiring industry knowledge and mediation experience.
Helpful
Mediation Fundamentals Course
American Arbitration Association
Course
40-hour program covering process, ethics, and practice mediations.
Professional Memberships
Member, Association for Conflict Resolution (ACR)
Association for Conflict Resolution
Membership
Professional network for mediators offering resources and continuing education.
Work Environment
Remote Work Hybrid (Remote + Office)
Work Setting Traditional office / indoor
Physical Activity Mostly sedentary
Social Interaction Highly collaborative — frequent team interaction
Schedule Extended hours common
Your Skills & Attributes
Skills & Competencies Matches (49)
Speaking
Strong Match
Critical Thinking
Strong Match
Active Learning
Good Match
Social Perceptiveness
Good Match
Persuasion
Good Match
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Arbitrator / Mediator a good career?
Arbitrator / Mediator can be a rewarding career choice. Based on current data, the median salary is $68K and job outlook is stable (5% projected growth). Whether it's a good fit depends on your skills, interests, and values — take our quiz to find out how well you match.
What degree do you need to become a Arbitrator / Mediator?
The typical education requirement for a Arbitrator / Mediator is a Bachelor's Degree. However, requirements can vary by employer and specialization. Some professionals enter the field with alternative credentials or relevant work experience.
How long does it take to become a Arbitrator / Mediator?
Becoming a Arbitrator / Mediator typically requires about 4 years of undergraduate study. Additional time may be needed for certifications, internships, or on-the-job training depending on the specific role and employer requirements.
What is the work-life balance like for a Arbitrator / Mediator?
The work-life balance for a Arbitrator / Mediator is generally considered good, with reasonable hours and manageable workloads. Individual experiences vary based on employer, specialization, seniority level, and geographic location.
What is the job outlook for Arbitrator / Mediator?
The job outlook for Arbitrator / Mediator is stable. Employment is projected to grow by 5% over the coming decade. Labor market conditions can vary by region and specialization.
Find Arbitrator / Mediator Jobs
Google Jobs
(opens in new tab)
Aggregated listings from across the web
Search Arbitrator / Mediator jobs
Indeed
(opens in new tab)
One of the largest job search engines
Search Arbitrator / Mediator jobs
(opens in new tab)
Professional network job listings
Search Arbitrator / Mediator jobs
Related Careers
Use arrow keys or swipe to scroll through related career cards
Legal
Judicial Law Clerk
Assists judges in courts of law by researching legal issues, drafting memoranda and opinions, reviewing case materials, and verifying the accuracy of citations and legal references.
Legal
Lawyer
Represents clients in criminal and civil litigation and other legal proceedings, draws up legal documents, or manages and advises clients on legal transactions. Conducts research, interprets laws and regulations, and presents evidence and arguments in court.
Legal
Paralegal and Legal Assistant
Assists lawyers by researching legal precedent, drafting documents, organizing case files, and preparing for trials, hearings, and closings under attorney supervision.
Not the right fit? Search for Arbitrator / Mediator jobs in Legal, Alberta, Canada
About Scrypath
Scrypath is a data-driven career discovery and planning platform.
We combine structured labor market data, occupational research, and personalized assessment tools to help individuals explore career paths with clarity.
Our platform provides detailed insights into hundreds of occupations, including salary data, job outlook, required skills, education pathways, and related roles. By integrating public labor market sources such as O*NET and the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Scrypath presents career information in a structured and practical format.
Users can assess career fit through a personalized quiz and explore recommended pathways, certifications, and progression options.
Scrypath is designed to support informed career decisions for students, career changers, and early-stage professionals.
Visit us on scrypath.com