How much does a arbitrator make?
The median arbitrator in the United States earns $67,710 per year, about $32.55 an hour. That is the midpoint of the profession: half of all arbitrators earn more, and half earn less.
Source: BLS OEWS, May 2024. SOC code 23-1022.
Arbitrator salary range
Pay for arbitrators spans a wide band. The lowest paid 10 percent earn under $46,200 a year, while the highest paid 10 percent take home more than $133,480. The average (mean) wage of $91,170 runs a bit higher than the median, which is normal for jobs where a group of top earners pulls the average up.
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $46,200 | $22.21 | Lowest paid |
| 25th percentile | $60,030 | $28.86 | |
| Median (50th) | $67,710 | $32.55 | Midpoint |
| 75th percentile | $101,010 | $48.56 | |
| 90th percentile | $133,480 | $64.18 | Highest paid |
Figures are national wage estimates for arbitrators, mediators, and conciliators (SOC 23-1022), U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS, May 2024.
Arbitrator salary by state
Where you work changes the paycheck. Arbitrators earn the most in District of Columbia at $106,720 a year, and the least in North Dakota at $43,900. The table below lists every state with published data, ranked by median annual salary.
| State | Median annual | Employed |
|---|---|---|
| District of Columbia | $106,720 | N/A |
| Illinois | $93,590 | 50 |
| New York | $91,060 | 560 |
| Alabama | $82,160 | 40 |
| Connecticut | $81,630 | N/A |
| Arizona | $80,600 | 150 |
| North Carolina | $74,050 | 110 |
| Michigan | $72,630 | 210 |
| Indiana | $71,820 | 40 |
| Virginia | $70,080 | N/A |
| Kansas | $66,000 | 30 |
| Colorado | $65,270 | 60 |
| Wisconsin | $65,140 | 240 |
| New Mexico | $64,560 | 40 |
| Pennsylvania | $63,870 | 230 |
| Tennessee | $60,380 | 50 |
| Utah | $55,890 | 40 |
| South Carolina | $55,300 | 30 |
| Iowa | $51,140 | N/A |
| Maryland | $48,230 | 90 |
| Louisiana | $47,940 | N/A |
| Texas | $47,910 | 660 |
| North Dakota | $43,900 | 30 |
State median wages for arbitrators, mediators, and conciliators (SOC 23-1022), U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS state files, May 2024. States where the BLS does not publish a median are not shown.
Job outlook for arbitrators
The BLS projects employment of arbitrators to grow 4.7% from 2025 to 2035. That is about as fast as the 3.5% average for all occupations. That works out to roughly 10,500 jobs in 2025 moving toward 11,000 by 2035.
Across the decade, the BLS expects about 300 openings a year for arbitrators. Most come from the need to replace workers who move to other jobs or leave the workforce, on top of any new positions from growth.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections program, 2025-35 (Table 1.2, Occupational projections and worker characteristics).
How to become an arbitrator
The typical entry-level education for arbitrators is a bachelor's degree, according to the BLS. Most roles also expect less than 5 years of work experience in a related occupation. New hires typically complete moderate-term on-the-job training to reach full competency.
Education, training, and experience data: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections program.
What affects how much an arbitrator earns
Firm size, practice area, years of experience, and metro area drive the spread. Large firms and major markets pay far above small-town or entry-level roles.
Location is one of the clearest factors. The gap between the top paying state (District of Columbia, $106,720) and the lowest (North Dakota, $43,900) shows how much geography alone can move the number, before experience or specialization.
About 7,860 people work as arbitrators in the United States. At $67,710 a year, the job pays above the $49,500 median for all U.S. jobs.
Arbitrator salary FAQ
How much does an arbitrator make an hour?
The median hourly wage for an arbitrator is $32.55. The middle half of arbitrators earn between $28.86 and $48.56 per hour.
What is the highest arbitrator salary?
The highest paid 10 percent of arbitrators earn more than $133,480 per year. Top earners usually have the most experience and work in the best paying regions and industries.
How much does an arbitrator make a year?
The median annual salary for an arbitrator is $67,710. The average (mean) wage of $91,170 runs a bit higher than the median, which is normal for jobs where a group of top earners pulls the average up.
Is being an arbitrator a well paid job?
At $67,710 a year, an arbitrator earns above the $49,500 median for all U.S. jobs. About 7,860 people work as arbitrators in the United States.
Which state pays arbitrators the most?
District of Columbia has the highest median salary for arbitrators at $106,720 a year. Illinois ($93,590) and New York ($91,060) follow. State medians come from the BLS OEWS state files, May 2024.
Is being an arbitrator a good career?
Employment of arbitrators is projected to grow 4.7% from 2025 to 2035, about as fast as the 3.5% average for all occupations. The BLS projects about 300 openings each year, from growth and from workers leaving the occupation.
Do you need a degree to become an arbitrator?
The BLS lists the typical entry-level education for arbitrators as a bachelor's degree, so a college degree is usually expected.
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