Administrative Law Judges, Adjudicators, and Hearing Officers in the District of Columbia command an impressive average annual salary of $171,190, significantly surpassing the national average of $122,620. This substantial difference is largely driven by the unique concentration of federal agencies, regulatory bodies, and legal institutions within the nation's capital, creating a high demand for specialized legal expertise.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $171,190 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 0.0% ↘ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $203,990.
- Outlook: The job market for Administrative Law Judges, Adjudicators, and Hearing Officers in the District of Columbia appears robust, supported by a local workforce of 300 individuals in this role. The Location Quotient of 4.02 indicates a concentration of these professionals that is over four times the national average, suggesting a strong and established presence of this profession within the DC area.
Salary Overview
The average Administrative Law Judges, Adjudicators, and Hearing Officers in District of Columbia earns+39.6%above the national average.
$82.3
$3,292
$14,266
Administrative Law Judges, Adjudicators, and Hearing Officers Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that salaries for Administrative Law Judges, Adjudicators, and Hearing Officers in the District of Columbia have experienced consistent growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends in specialized legal and governmental roles. Factors such as inflation, evolving regulatory landscapes, and increased demand for legal expertise likely contribute to this upward salary trajectory.
Administrative Law Judges, Adjudicators, and Hearing Officers Salary Distribution in District of Columbia
Salary progression for Administrative Law Judges, Adjudicators, and Hearing Officers in the District of Columbia typically scales significantly with experience. Entry-level positions will naturally command lower salaries, while seasoned professionals with extensive legal backgrounds and a proven track record in adjudication can expect to earn substantially more. The widening gap between entry-level and senior-level salaries, often reflected in percentile data, clearly signifies the career advancement and increased earning potential available within this field.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Legal AssistantResearch, drafting documents, case support. | 10% (Entry) | $117,050 | $56.3 |
| AssociateHandling depositions, smaller cases independently. | 25% (Junior) | $128,393 | $61.7 |
| Senior AssociateLead on cases, client management, trial experience. | 50% (Median) | $181,060 | $87 |
| Counsel / PartnerBusiness development, specialized high-stakes cases. | 75% (Senior) | $213,988 | $102.9 |
| Managing PartnerFirm leadership. Executive strategy. | 90% (Expert) | $203,990 | $98.1 |
Detailed Administrative Law Judges, Adjudicators, and Hearing Officers Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$171,190
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$115,124
Adjusted for COL (148.7)
While the nominal average salary of $171,190 in the District of Columbia is exceptionally high, it must be considered in light of the local Cost of Living Index of 148.7. This index, significantly above the national average of 100, indicates that everyday expenses such as housing, transportation, and goods are considerably more expensive. Therefore, while the gross income is substantial, the actual purchasing power may be moderated by these elevated living costs.
Job Market Context
300
Total Jobs
0.423
Per 1K Jobs
4.02
Location Quotient
District of Columbia has 4.0x the national concentration of Administrative Law Judges, Adjudicators, and Hearing Officers jobs — a major employment hub for this role. Job seekers will find significantly more opportunities here than in most other areas.
The Location Quotient of 4.02 for Administrative Law Judges, Adjudicators, and Hearing Officers in the District of Columbia signifies a highly concentrated job market. This indicates that the demand for these professionals is exceptionally high relative to the national average, making the market competitive but also potentially abundant with opportunities for qualified individuals. The concentration suggests that DC is a primary hub for this specialized legal profession.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Administrative Law Judges, Adjudicators, and Hearing Officers
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD Administrative Law Judges, Adjudicators, and Hearing Officers Salary | $120,910↓ 29% | 35 mi |
Comparing salaries near District of Columbia
Hiring Administrative Law Judges, Adjudicators, and Hearing Officerss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Administrative Law Judges, Adjudicators, and Hearing Officers make in District of Columbia?
The median annual salary for a Administrative Law Judges, Adjudicators, and Hearing Officers in District of Columbia is $171,190. This typically ranges from $117,050 for entry-level positions to $203,990 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in District of Columbia is 39.6% higher than the national median of $122,620.
Is District of Columbia a lucrative place for Administrative Law Judges, Adjudicators, and Hearing Officers?
Yes, the District of Columbia is a highly lucrative location for these professionals.The average salary of $171,190 is significantly higher than the national average, and the strong concentration of these roles (LQ of 4.02) further supports this lucrative status.
Is District of Columbia a good place to live for Administrative Law Judges, Adjudicators, and Hearing Officers?
The Cost of Living Index in District of Columbia is 148.7. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near District of Columbia?
Some top paying nearby cities include Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD ($120,910) and others.
How does the number of Administrative Law Judges in DC compare nationally?
With 300 Administrative Law Judges, Adjudicators, and Hearing Officers locally, and a Location Quotient of 4.02, the concentration in DC is over four times the national average, indicating a disproportionately large presence.
What is the purchasing power of an Administrative Law Judge's salary in DC?
The high nominal salary of $171,190 is offset by a Cost of Living Index of 148.7, meaning that while the income is substantial, the cost of goods and services is also significantly higher than the national average.
What factors contribute to the high salaries for these roles in DC?
The concentration of federal government agencies, regulatory bodies, and legal institutions in the nation's capital drives demand for specialized legal expertise, leading to higher compensation for Administrative Law Judges, Adjudicators, and Hearing Officers.
How does experience impact salary for Administrative Law Judges in DC?
Experience is a key driver of salary growth, with entry-level positions earning less and senior roles commanding significantly higher compensation, reflecting increased expertise and responsibility.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 300 employees in the District of Columbia area with a job density of 0.423 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Administrative Law Judges, Adjudicators, and Hearing Officers • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in District of Columbia