Court and community mediator

The court or program, which often pays a modest per-case or per-session fee (some programs use unpaid volunteers). Some programs also charge parties a small sliding-scale fee.

Per-session or per-case fees from programs. Many mediators use the roster to gain experience and then take on private clients on the side.

• Staying neutral and calm
• Listening and summarizing both sides
• Reliable and punctual
• Working with people from many backgrounds

• Many programs are unpaid or low paid, so check fees and expected hours before you commit
• Roster rules, training hours and background checks differ by court and state
• Check whether you're an independent contractor and need your own insurance or business registration
• Don't give legal advice in sessions
• Work can be irregular, so don't count on a steady income

Startup costs are typically around $500 to $3,000, depending on training, insurance and any business registration. Check expected fees and hours with each program before you commit, since many programs pay modestly or use volunteers.

Roster rules, training hours and background checks differ by court and state, so check with each program you want to join. Also check whether you would be an independent contractor who needs your own insurance or business registration.

Monthly revenue is typically around $300 to $1,500, depending on the programs you join and how many cases you take. Many programs are unpaid or low paid, and work can be irregular, so don't count on steady income.