Conflict Resolution Jobs: Salary & Career Information
Conflict resolution involves examining both sides of arguments and developing logical solutions. Learn how to become a mediator, lawyer, diplomat, international peacemaker, conciliators, or arbitrator, all of which are careers that use conflict resolution techniques in their jobs.
Conflict Resolution Defined
Conflict resolution, also known as alternative dispute resolution (ADR), involves solving and settling conflicts that arise in a variety of legal, workplace, and community settings. Because conflicts can be costly, third-party representatives are often used to settle disputes and satisfy each party through negotiated compromise rather than court proceedings. The Association of Conflict Resolution stated that some of the main components of ADR proceedings were mediation, arbitration, conciliation, and consensus building (www.acrnet.org).
<h3 id="section---ImportantFactsAboutConflictResolutionJobs">Important Facts About Conflict Resolution Jobs</h3><p></p><table border="1"><tr><td>Median Salary (2018)* </td><td> $62,270 (arbitrators, mediators, and conciliators)</td></tr>
<tr><td>Job Outlook (2016-2026)*</td><td> 10% (arbitrators, mediators, and conciliators)</td></tr>
<tr><td>Entry-level Education</td><td> Bachelor's degree</td></tr>
<tr><td>Key skills</td><td> Critical-thinking, listening, decision-making, reading, writing, interpersonal skills</td></tr>
<tr><td>Work Environment</td><td> Offices and meeting rooms</td></tr>
</table><p><i>Source: *U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics</i>
</p><h2 id="section---ConflictResolutionJobs">Conflict Resolution Jobs</h2><p>ADR processes can be applied to many careers and occupations. For example, you could work for the United Nations as a conflict specialist and help settle cultural conflicts. You also could work for a corporation as a neutral individual to settle internal organizational disputes.
</p><p>Other career areas that use conflict resolution include international business, healthcare administration, labor relations, and school system management. You might need to earn a master's or law degree to advance in this field. The following professions provide a few primary examples of conflict resolution careers.
</p><h3 id="section---MediatorCareers">Mediator Careers</h3><p>Mediators use their background in business, <a href="http://learn.org/articles/Clinical_Counseling_Become_a_Licensed_Professional_Clinical_Counselor_in_5_Steps.html">counseling</a>, and law to settle conflicting parties' disagreements outside of court. Two mediators usually serve as discussion guides and help both parties come to a suitable agreement. However, mediators can only make suggestions, not final decisions. As a mediator, you can specialize in areas like labor relations, divorces, and family disputes.
</p><h3 id="section---ArbitratorCareers">Arbitrator Careers</h3><p>A <a href="http://learn.org/articles/Arbitration_Certification_and_Training_Requirements_FAQs.html">career in arbitration</a> operates closer to the legal system; as an arbitrator, you could make legally binding decisions if parties cannot reach an agreement. Arbitrators can be appointed by the courts and are usually specialized attorneys or field experts. If you take on this job, you might arbitrate between a labor union and an employer to work out an equitable and feasible compensation package.
</p><h3 id="section---ConciliatorCareers">Conciliator Careers</h3><p>Conciliators are similar to mediators since both are impartial third parties who work to achieve a settled agreement. However, conciliators conduct meetings with the conflicting parties separately and communicate between them, rather than having both parties converse in one setting. Through private conversations, you might determine the interests of both parties and offer conflict resolution suggestions.
</p><h3 id="section---OmbudsmanCareers">Ombudsman Careers</h3><p>As an ombudsman, you are a neutral individual employed by a company or group to investigate disputes and determine the proper changes needed to resolve employee complaints. You'll offer confidential conflict resolution services and may instruct people on how to best utilize ADR techniques.
</p><h2 id="section---ConflictResolutionDegreesAndTrainingOptions">Conflict Resolution Degrees and Training Options</h2><p>There is no standard degree required to enter a career in conflict resolution, though individuals in this field often have a background in business or law. Training requirements for mediators, arbitrators, conciliators, and ombudsman may vary by state and may include completing a degree or certificate program, getting on-the-job training through a volunteer program, or attending training classes sponsored by a mediation organization.
</p><p>Master's degree and graduate certificate programs focused on conflict resolution, negotiation, and peace building are available for professionals who want to apply these skills to their current jobs or for those who want to move into a conflict resolution-oriented career, like mediation or arbitration. Classes could cover particular conflict resolution areas like marriage mediation, intercultural conflicts, school violence, sports, and the media.</p>