CDCareer Decision

Administrative Law Judges, Adjudicators, and Hearing Officers Salary in Chicago, IL

In the 2025 U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS dataset, Administrative Law Judges, Adjudicators, and Hearing Officers in Chicago, IL have a median annual salary of $121,720, with 350 recorded jobs in this area. Recorded earnings range from $76,790 at the 10th percentile to $207,480 at the 90th percentile.

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS · Data year: 2025 · Last updated: 2026-09-22

Salary overview

Median annual salary

$121,720

Data year: 2025

Hourly median

$58.52

Employment

350

Source

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS

Salary distribution

$76,790
10th
$98,480
25th
$121,720
Median
$148,490
75th
$207,480
90th

Local compared with national

Chicago, IL

$121,720

Median annual · 2025

United States

$117,860

Median annual · 2025

The Chicago, IL median is 3.3% above the national median in the available dataset (a difference of $3,860).

Top skills

  1. 1.Reading ComprehensionImportance 4.5
  2. 2.Active ListeningImportance 4.5
  3. 3.Critical ThinkingImportance 4.5
  4. 4.WritingImportance 4.3
  5. 5.Judgment and Decision MakingImportance 4.3
  6. 6.SpeakingImportance 4.1
  7. 7.Active LearningImportance 4.0
  8. 8.Social PerceptivenessImportance 4.0
  9. 9.MonitoringImportance 3.9
  10. 10.Complex Problem SolvingImportance 3.9
  11. 11.Time ManagementImportance 3.4
  12. 12.NegotiationImportance 3.1

Career information

Education and experience

Typical education
Doctoral Degree
Experience
Over 4 years, up to and including 6 years
Job zone
5

Technology used

  • Microsoft Word
  • Adobe Acrobat
  • Courtroom scheduling software
  • Email software
  • LexisNexis
  • Microsoft Access
  • Microsoft Excel
  • Microsoft Office software
  • Microsoft Outlook
  • Microsoft PowerPoint
  • Microsoft Windows
  • Online databases
  • SAP software
  • Thomson Reuters Westlaw
  • Videoconferencing software

Common tasks

  • Monitor and direct the activities of trials and hearings to ensure that they are conducted fairly and that courts administer justice while safeguarding the legal rights of all involved parties.
  • Prepare written opinions and decisions.
  • Conduct hearings to review and decide claims regarding issues, such as social program eligibility, environmental protection, or enforcement of health and safety regulations.
  • Rule on exceptions, motions, and admissibility of evidence.
  • Research and analyze laws, regulations, policies, and precedent decisions to prepare for hearings and to determine conclusions.
  • Determine existence and amount of liability according to current laws, administrative and judicial precedents, and available evidence.
  • Issue subpoenas and administer oaths in preparation for formal hearings.
  • Explain to claimants how they can appeal rulings that go against them.
  • Schedule hearings.
  • Review and evaluate data on documents, such as claim applications, birth or death certificates, or physician or employer records.

Related careers

Occupations recorded as related in the dataset. A relationship does not imply a guaranteed transition.

Administrative Law Judges, Adjudicators, and Hearing Officers salary in other locations

Other occupations in Chicago, IL