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Labor relations specialist: pay, job outlook and how to become one

Updated October 28, 2026. Based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and O*NET data. Published by Humblebee.

$95,420median pay per year, or $45.87 an hour, May 2025[1]
  1. $50,490lowest 10% earn less
  2. $71,92025th percentile
  3. $95,420median
  4. $123,42075th percentile
  5. $156,180top 10% earn more
Middle half of workers in the inner band[4]Median for all US jobs, $50,980[5]

The median labor relations specialist earned $95,420 a year in May 2025[1]. Jobs are projected to grow 2.1% from 2025 to 2035, a bit slower than the 3.5% for all occupations[2][3].

Job growth, 2025–35
+2.1%[2]
Openings per year
4,800[6]
Typical entry education
Bachelor's degree[7]

How much do labor relations specialists make?

The median wage for labor relations specialists was $95,420 a year, or $45.87 an hour, in May 2025[1]. Half of workers earned more and half earned less[1]. The average was $98,720 a year, or $47.46 an hour[8]. For comparison, the median for all occupations was $50,980 a year[5].

Pay varies a lot within the job. The lowest-paid 10% earned less than $50,490 a year, and the highest-paid 10% earned more than $156,180[4]. A percentile is a boundary, and BLS does not publish a starting salary[9]. Here is the range per year and per hour[4][10]:

Percentile Annual Hourly
10th[4][10] $50,490 $24.27
25th[4][10] $71,920 $34.58
75th[4][10] $123,420 $59.34
90th[4][10] $156,180 $75.09

These figures cover wage and salary workers only. They leave out the self-employed, bonuses that are not tied to production, and the cost of benefits such as health insurance[11].

Pay by state and city

By median annual wage, New Jersey came first at $118,370, followed by the District of Columbia at $115,600, Massachusetts at $111,260 and California at $105,810[12]. Alabama had the lowest listed median, $48,120[12].

California had the most jobs, 8,830, followed by New York with 6,860 and Ohio with 4,100[13].

Among metro areas with at least 100 jobs, San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA had the highest median at $133,270, followed by Vallejo, CA at $131,680 and San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA at $124,400[14]. The New York-Newark-Jersey City area had the most jobs, 6,930, with a median of $107,470[15].

Show median pay in 50 states and DC
StateMedian per yearJobs
New Jersey[12]$118,3703,700
District of Columbia$115,600160
Massachusetts$111,2601,660
California$105,8108,830
Illinois$104,1803,670
Washington$104,1002,760
North Dakota$101,22090
Minnesota$100,7601,710
New York$100,5006,860
Virginia$98,730990
Delaware$97,390280
Arizona$97,070790
Maine$96,680210
Wisconsin$95,7501,690
Maryland$94,030890
Missouri$93,8401,190
Idaho$93,110190
Pennsylvania$91,3203,470
Rhode Island$88,030410
West Virginia$88,020420
Wyoming$87,31060
Colorado$87,150470
North Carolina$86,270690
Vermont$85,870120
New Hampshire$84,780150
New Mexico$83,770120
Kansas$82,750370
Nebraska$81,910270
Florida$81,7001,970
Georgia$81,480920
Oregon$80,4901,210
Ohio$80,1504,100
Texas$79,6402,590
Connecticut$79,6201,240
Mississippi$79,360200
Iowa$79,140610
Louisiana$78,110170
South Carolina$78,050340
Alaska$77,870380
Hawaii$77,310510
Nevada$77,240610
Indiana$77,1902,600
Tennessee$76,930560
Michigan$73,7602,430
Kentucky$73,550640
Montana$70,360160
Oklahoma$62,400250
Arkansas$62,070180
Utah$61,190250
South Dakota$57,900100
Alabama$48,120590

How to become a labor relations specialist

BLS lists a bachelor's degree as the typical education for entry. It lists less than 5 years of related work experience and no typical on-the-job training[7]. The steps look like this:

Some colleges offer labor relations certificates in topics such as mediation[20]. Professional certification is not required, but employers may prefer candidates who have it[21].

The ONET database places the job in Job Zone Four, which means considerable preparation is needed[22]. In an ONET survey of 21 workers, 33% said a bachelor's degree was required, and smaller shares named other levels[23]. That is a small survey, so treat it as a rough guide.

Useful qualities include communication, attention to detail, interpersonal skills, organization and problem solving[24][25][26][27][28].

What labor relations specialists do

O*NET describes the job as settling disputes between workers and managers, negotiating collective bargaining agreements and coordinating grievance procedures[29]. Typical tasks include:

Job titles reported by workers include business agent, business representative, grievance manager and labor specialist[31].

Where they work

Labor unions and similar labor organizations employed 72% of labor relations specialists in 2025, the largest employer group in the Handbook[32]. The work is typically done in an office. Some travel may be needed for meetings or to meet workers onsite[33]. The work can be stressful when contract talks or grievances get tense[33].

Most labor relations specialists work full time. They sometimes put in long stretches when preparing for meetings or settling disputes[34]. About 1.2% were self-employed in 2025[35].

Job outlook

BLS projects employment of labor relations specialists to grow 2.1% from 2025 to 2035, from about 66,300 to 67,700 jobs, a gain of 1,400[2]. Employment in all occupations is projected to grow 3.5% over the same period[3]. These projection counts include self-employed workers[2]. The OEWS count of about 64,810 jobs covers wage and salary jobs only, so the two numbers measure different things[36][2].

BLS expects about 4,800 openings a year on average from 2025 to 2035[6]. Openings come from new jobs and also from workers who retire or move to other occupations[6]. Each year, 2.5% of workers are expected to leave the labor force and 4.5% to move to a different occupation[37].

Is it a good fit?

The facts point to a job that pays well above the all-occupations median[1][5] and typically asks for a bachelor's degree plus some related experience[7]. Growth is slower than average, so openings will come mostly from people changing jobs or leaving the workforce[2][3][6]. Most jobs are at labor unions and similar organizations, which employed 72% in 2025[32]. The work involves negotiation and can be stressful when talks get tense[33].

Related occupations from O*NET, with BLS median pay and projected growth[38].

Frequently asked questions

How much does a labor relations specialist make an hour?
The median was $45.87 an hour in May 2025, and the average was $47.46[1][8]. The lowest-paid 10% earned less than $24.27 an hour, and the highest-paid 10% earned more than $75.09[10].
What degree do you need to be a labor relations specialist?
BLS lists a bachelor's degree as the typical entry education[7]. Labor and industrial relations, human resources and business are named fields[16].
Is labor relations specialist a job in demand?
Employment is projected to grow 2.1% from 2025 to 2035, compared with 3.5% for all occupations[2][3]. About 4,800 openings a year are expected, including replacements[6].
What is the highest paying state for labor relations specialists?
New Jersey had the highest median annual wage at $118,370, followed by the District of Columbia at $115,600[12].
Where do labor relations specialists work?
Labor unions and similar labor organizations employed 72% of them in 2025[32]. The work is typically in an office[33].

Facts and sources

  1. BLS OEWS, May 2025: the median wage for Labor Relations Specialists in the US was $95,420 per year and $45.87 per hour. Half of workers earned more and half earned less. BLS OEWS, May 2025
  2. BLS Employment Projections: employment of Labor Relations Specialists is projected to grow 2.1% from 2025 to 2035, from about 66,300 to 67,700 jobs (a change of +1,400). These counts include self-employed workers. BLS Employment Projections
  3. BLS Employment Projections: employment in all occupations is projected to grow 3.5% from 2025 to 2035. BLS Employment Projections
  4. BLS OEWS, May 2025, annual wage percentiles for Labor Relations Specialists: 10th percentile $50,490, 25th percentile $71,920, 75th percentile $123,420, 90th percentile $156,180. The 10th percentile means 10% of workers earned less. BLS OEWS, May 2025
  5. BLS OEWS, May 2025: the median annual wage for all occupations in the US was $50,980. BLS OEWS, May 2025
  6. BLS Employment Projections: about 4,800 openings for Labor Relations Specialists are projected each year, on average, from 2025 to 2035. Openings include jobs that open when workers retire or move to other occupations, not only new jobs. BLS Employment Projections
  7. BLS Employment Projections, typical path into Labor Relations Specialists: education needed for entry: Bachelor's degree; work experience in a related occupation: Less than 5 years; typical on-the-job training: None. BLS Employment Projections
  8. BLS OEWS, May 2025: the mean (average) wage for Labor Relations Specialists was $98,720 per year and $47.46 per hour. BLS OEWS, May 2025
  9. BLS OEWS FAQ: a percentile wage is a boundary. The median (50th percentile) separates the highest-paid 50% from the lowest-paid 50% of workers in the occupation. OEWS publishes percentile wages, not a starting salary. BLS OEWS, May 2025
  10. BLS OEWS, May 2025, hourly wage percentiles for Labor Relations Specialists: 10th percentile $24.27, 25th percentile $34.58, 75th percentile $59.34, 90th percentile $75.09. BLS OEWS, May 2025
  11. BLS OEWS FAQ: OEWS covers part-time and full-time workers paid a wage or salary. It does not cover the self-employed, owners and partners in unincorporated firms, household workers or unpaid family workers. OEWS wages do not include nonproduction bonuses or employer costs of benefits such as health insurance or retirement contributions. BLS OEWS, May 2025
  12. Median annual wage for Labor Relations Specialists in every state with published data, May 2025 (table on this page). BLS OEWS, May 2025
  13. BLS OEWS, May 2025, states with the most Labor Relations Specialists jobs: California 8,830; New York 6,860; Ohio 4,100; New Jersey 3,700; Illinois 3,670. BLS OEWS, May 2025
  14. BLS OEWS, May 2025, metro areas with the highest median annual wage for Labor Relations Specialists (areas with at least 100 jobs): San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA $133,270; Vallejo, CA $131,680; San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA $124,400; Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA $119,200; Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH $118,520; Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, PA-NJ $115,940; Kennewick-Richland, WA $112,740; Worcester, MA $112,230. BLS OEWS, May 2025
  15. BLS OEWS, May 2025, metro areas with the most Labor Relations Specialists jobs: New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ 6,930 (median $107,470); Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA 3,300 (median $102,980); Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN 3,090 (median $103,570); San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA 2,000 (median $124,400); Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA 1,990 (median $119,200); Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD 1,730 (median $99,840). BLS OEWS, May 2025
  16. Occupational Outlook Handbook, How to Become One. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  17. Occupational Outlook Handbook, How to Become One: Education. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  18. Occupational Outlook Handbook, How to Become One: Education. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  19. Occupational Outlook Handbook, How to Become One: Work Experience in a Related Occupation. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  20. Occupational Outlook Handbook, How to Become One: Education. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  21. Occupational Outlook Handbook, How to Become One: Licenses, Certifications, and Registrations. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  22. O*NET 13-1075.00: Job Zone Four: Considerable Preparation Needed. A considerable amount of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is needed for these occupations. For example, an accountant must complete four years of college and work for several years in accounting to be considered qualified. O*NET OnLine
  23. O*NET 13-1075.00 survey of workers (21 respondents), education level they say is required: Bachelor's Degree 33%, Some College Courses 10%, Associate's Degree or other 2-year degree 10%, Post-Baccalaureate Certificate 10%, Master's Degree 10%, First Professional Degree 10% (levels under 5% not listed). O*NET OnLine
  24. Occupational Outlook Handbook, How to Become One: Important Qualities. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  25. Occupational Outlook Handbook, How to Become One: Important Qualities. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  26. Occupational Outlook Handbook, How to Become One: Important Qualities. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  27. Occupational Outlook Handbook, How to Become One: Important Qualities. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  28. Occupational Outlook Handbook, How to Become One: Important Qualities. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  29. O*NET description of Labor Relations Specialists. O*NET OnLine
  30. O*NET task list for Labor Relations Specialists. O*NET OnLine
  31. O*NET 13-1075.00 sample job titles reported by workers: Business Agent, Business Representative, Grievance Manager, Labor Relations Specialist, Labor Specialist. O*NET OnLine
  32. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook, largest employers of labor relations specialists in 2025: Labor unions and similar labor organizations 72%. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  33. Occupational Outlook Handbook, Work Environment. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  34. Occupational Outlook Handbook, Work Environment: Work Schedules. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  35. BLS Employment Projections: 1.2% of Labor Relations Specialists were self-employed in 2025. BLS Employment Projections
  36. BLS OEWS, May 2025: about 64,810 people were employed as Labor Relations Specialists in the US (wage and salary jobs, not counting self-employed workers). BLS OEWS, May 2025
  37. BLS Employment Projections, 2025-35 annual average for Labor Relations Specialists: 2.5% of workers leave the labor force each year and 4.5% move to a different occupation. BLS Employment Projections
  38. Related occupations (O*NET) with BLS pay, growth and entry education. O*NET OnLine

Notes are for reading the data only. They are not facts and cannot be cited: use the wage_scope and percentile_meaning facts instead. OEWS employment (jobs in May 2025) and Employment Projections employment (2025, includes self-employed) are different measures and can differ. O*NET education shares come from a small survey of workers in the occupation, not from all workers.

This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerFacts has modified all or some of this information. USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.