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Mediator
Also called: Arbitrator · Conciliator · Dispute Resolution Specialist · Family Mediator
What mediators do, what they earn, how long training takes and how to get started, with official BLS pay data and practical, job-level detail.
What does a mediator do?
Arbitrators, mediators and conciliators help parties settle disputes outside of court, facilitating negotiation or making decisions in cases such as divorce, business and workplace conflicts. The median pay is $75,530 per year (BLS, May 2025), most people train for about 4 years + under 5 years of experience, and employment is projected to grow +4.7% from 2025–35.
Pay data: BLS OEWS, May 2025 · Outlook: BLS 2025–35 · Checked October 15, 2026
- Median pay$75,530$36.31/hour · May 2025
- Job growth+4.7%2025–35, about as fast as average
- Openings per year300Average, 2025–35
- Typical entry educationBachelor's degreeBLS classification
- Time to train4 years + under 5 years of experienceTypical program length
- U.S. jobs10,500Employment, 2025
What mediators do
Mediators help people find agreement. They meet with parties in conflict, explain the process, help each side understand the other, identify interests and options, and guide them toward a settlement. Arbitrators hear evidence and make binding decisions. Cases include divorce and custody, business contracts, workplace disputes, community conflicts and court-referred cases.
Most mediators have a bachelor’s degree and experience in law, counseling, social work or business, plus mediation training. Many are lawyers. Courts and states set training requirements for court-connected mediators.
Typical duties
- Meet with disputing parties
- Explain the mediation process
- Facilitate discussions
- Identify interests and options
- Draft settlement agreements
- Hear evidence and decide cases (arbitrators)
- Keep records and follow ethics rules
Work environment and schedule
Mediators work in offices, courts, community centers and online.
Schedule: Schedules vary; many mediators are self-employed and set their own hours.
A day in the life
- Review case files for today’s sessions.
- Open a family mediation with ground rules.
- Meet privately with each parent in caucus.
- Help parents draft a parenting schedule.
See a full day in the life of a mediator →
Mediator salary
Half of mediators earned more than $75,530 and half earned less in May 2025. Pay ranged from about $47,220 for the lowest 10% to $155,440 for the top 10%.
Full mediator pay scale and hourly rates →
How to become a mediator
- Earn a bachelor’s degree
- Gain experience
- Complete mediation training
- Mediate cases
- Advance
A bachelor’s degree plus experience in a related field is typical, along with mediation training. Many mediators are lawyers.
Step-by-step guide to becoming a mediator →
Skills and tools
Technical skills
- Facilitation
- Negotiation
- Conflict analysis
- Agreement drafting
- Legal knowledge
People skills
- Neutrality
- Patience
- Empathy
- Calmness
All mediator skills and tools →
Pros and cons
Pros
- Help people avoid court
- Independent practice possible
- Meaningful, varied cases
- Remote sessions
Cons
- Emotional conflicts
- Building a practice takes time
- Irregular income if self-employed
- Small field
Certifications and licenses
- Basic mediation training (40 hours): Common requirement.
- State court mediator certification: For court-connected mediation.
- Family mediation training: Specialty training.
- Certified arbitrator: Arbitration credential.
Career path
- Volunteer Mediator: Gain experience.
- Mediator: Handle cases.
- Specialist Mediator: Specialize.
- Practice Owner or ADR Director: Lead programs.
Learn the job before day one
Our Mediator training (10 hours, $89.99) covers the role, 15+ key terms, step-by-step procedures such as open a mediation session and move from positions to interests, safety and how to land your first job.
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Mediator FAQ
Do mediators need a law degree?
No, but many are lawyers.
What’s the difference between mediation and arbitration?
Mediators help parties agree; arbitrators make decisions.
Is mediation training required?
Often, especially for court-connected work.
How much does a mediator make?
The median annual wage for mediators was $75,530 ($36.31 per hour) in May 2025, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The lowest 10% earned less than $47,220 and the highest 10% earned more than $155,440.
How long does it take to become a mediator?
Most people need about 4 years + under 5 years of experience of training. A bachelor’s degree plus experience in a related field is typical, along with mediation training. Many mediators are lawyers.
Do you need a degree to be a mediator?
Usually, yes. BLS lists a bachelor's degree as the typical entry-level education, although skills, certifications and experience can sometimes substitute.
Sources
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025, SOC 23-1022 (Arbitrators, mediators, and conciliators).
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Employment Projections, Table 1.2 (2025–35).
- O*NET OnLine summary for Arbitrators, mediators, and conciliators (U.S. Department of Labor).
- BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook.
Reviewed by the Career Education Institute Curriculum Team. Pay figures are national estimates; local pay varies. See our editorial policy.