Skip to Main Content

Conflict Resolution Specialists

Earnings

Arbitrators, mediators, and conciliators earned median annual salaries of $71,540 in May 2023, according to the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL). Ten percent of this group earned $35,960 or less, while the top 10 percent made $152,730 or more. The DOL reports that arbitrators, mediators, and conciliators earned the following mean annual salaries by employer:

  • local government agencies (excluding schools and hospitals): $98,150
  • state government agencies (excluding schools and hospitals): $79,620
  • legal services: $79,620
  • social advocacy organizations: $58,720
  • individual and family services: $51,710

Some conflict resolution specialists are paid per session they attend or by day. For example, FINRA, a government-authorized nonprofit organization that oversees U.S. broker-dealers, paid an honorarium of $600 per day to its arbitrators in 2024. Panel chairpersons received higher honorariums.

Full-time conflict resolution specialists receive a variety of fringe benefits including vacation and sick time, health, and sometimes dental, insurance, and pension or 401(k) plans. Part-time CRSs may receive some of the aforementioned benefits, but this varies by employer. Self-employed professionals must provide their own fringe benefits.