Labor Relations Specialists
Labor relations specialists resolve employee-management disputes and negotiate labor contracts.
Is labor relations specialists a good career?
It scores 17/100 and ranks #406 of 825 occupations on pay, growth, employment and openings. Here's what the federal data says, with no editorializing.
Advantages
- Pays well above the U.S. median wage ($95,420 vs $61,390)
Possible tradeoffs
- Employment is projected to decline (-0.1% through 2034)
- Typically requires a bachelor's degree
- Often needs prior experience (less than 5 years)
What labor relations specialists earn
Wages: BLS OEWS May 2025Pay is a range, not a number. Half of U.S. labor relations specialists earn between $71,920 and $123,420 a year.
Best-paying states
Best-paying metros
Strongest employment concentration
Live labor relations specialists jobs
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- Typical education
- Bachelor's degree
- Work experience
- Less than 5 years
- On-the-job training
- None
- Outlook
- Employment is projected to grow little or no change through 2034.
Education
Labor relations specialists typically need a bachelor’s degree. Some schools offer a bachelor’s degree in labor and industrial relations. Candidates also may qualify for labor relations specialist positions with a bachelor’s degree in a field such as human resources or business. Coursework for these majors typically includes business, human resource management, and accounting.
Some colleges and universities offer labor relations certificates in specialized topics, such as mediation. Earning these certificates gives participants a better understanding of labor law, the collective bargaining process, and worker grievance procedures.
College students who participate in internships or job shadowing, such as with an organization’s human resources department, may have an opportunity to gain insight into labor relations while still in school.
Licenses, certifications & registrations
Although not required, employers may prefer to hire candidates who have professional certification. Certification demonstrates a level of proficiency in the skills required for the occupation. For labor relations specialists, human resources credentials may either be general or cover specific workforce topics.
Important qualities
Communication skills. Labor relations specialists must be able to convey information, both orally and in writing. For example, they talk with workers and managers, conduct trainings, and draft proposals and other materials.
Detail oriented. Labor relations specialists must pay attention to minutiae in tasks such as evaluating labor laws, ensuring compliance with policies, and maintaining records.
Interpersonal skills. Labor relations specialists need to interact well with others. For example, they must be able to establish rapport with workers when conducting interviews to resolve internal disputes.
Organizational skills. Labor relations specialists often handle several cases at once. They must be able to multitask and keep clear files to maintain records properly.
Problem-solving skills. Labor relations specialists help management and employees consider their options to reach consensus, such as when resolving grievances or negotiating contracts.
Related occupations
How much do labor relations specialists make?
The national median wage is $95,420 a year, with the middle half earning between $71,920 and $123,420 (BLS OEWS May 2025).
Is labor relations specialists a good career?
On the Jobs.best index it scores 17 of 100 and ranks #406 of 825 occupations, weighing pay, growth, employment and openings. Employment is projected to change -0.1% through 2034.
What education do you need to become a labor relations specialist?
The typical entry-level education is bachelor's degree, usually with less than 5 years.
Where do labor relations specialists earn the most?
Among states, New Jersey pays the highest median ($118,370). Local pay for every state and metro is below.