There are currently an estimated 15,400 hearing officers in the United States. The hearing officer job market is expected to grow by 3.9% between 2016 and 2026.

How employable are hearing officers?

CareerExplorer rates hearing officers with a F employability rating, meaning this career should provide poor employment opportunities for the foreseeable future. Over the next 10 years, it is expected the US will need 2,800 hearing officers. That number is based on 600 additional hearing officers, and the retirement of 2,200 existing hearing officers.

Are hearing officers in demand?

Little to no growth is projected in the hearing officer field for the foreseeable future. Despite increasing caseloads and the continued need and demand for these officers to settle disputes, budgetary constraints are expected to limit the ability of federal, state, and local governments to fill vacant positions or authorize new ones. This fact, coupled with the prestige associated with a hearing officer position, ensures that competition will remain strong and turnover will remain low. Most job openings will result from the need to replace officers who retire, leave because their elected term is over, or choose to teach. While most hearing officers work within government, some find related opportunities with labor organizations, law offices, insurance carriers, and private organizations that offer dispute resolution services.

What’s the supply of hearing officers?

The hearing officer industry is concentrated in California, New York, Texas

Hearing Officer job market by state

State Name Employed Hearing Officers
California 1,630
New York 1,410
Texas 1,190
Pennsylvania 860
Illinois 580
Virginia 520
Ohio 500
Georgia 500
Florida 440
Oregon 440
Michigan 420
Kentucky 390
Arkansas 380
Arizona 340
Washington 330
Tennessee 320
New Jersey 300
Colorado 220
North Carolina 210
Connecticut 210
Louisiana 200
Missouri 180
Oklahoma 170
Maryland 170
Massachusetts 160
Utah 160
Nevada 160
New Mexico 140
Minnesota 140
Maine 120
South Carolina 120
New Hampshire 110
Alabama 110
West Virginia 110
Indiana 100
Delaware 90
Mississippi 90
Wisconsin 80
Iowa 70
Nebraska 70
Montana 70
Puerto Rico 60
Hawaii 50
Rhode Island 50
Kansas 50
Vermont 50
Idaho 50
Alaska 40