Labor relations specialists
SOC Code: 13-1075Also known as:
Appeals and Grievances Specialist, Arbitration Specialist, Business Agent, Business Representative, Collective Bargaining Specialist
Median Annual Salary
$93,500
-0.1% growth (2024-2034)
5K
Openings/Year
65K
Current Jobs
What Labor relations specialists Do
Resolve disputes between workers and managers, negotiate collective bargaining agreements, or coordinate grievance procedures to handle employee complaints.
💰 Salary
$93,500
Median annual wage (2024)
📈 Job Growth
-0.1%
Little or no change
🎓 Education
Bachelor's degree
Typical entry-level requirement
🚀 Annual Openings
5K
Projected average per year
👔 Work Experience
Less than 5 years
Required before entry
Employment Projections (2024-2034)
Current Employment (2024)
65,400
Projected Employment (2034)
65,400
Related Careers
Human resources managers
$140,030 •
+5.0% growth
Compliance officers
$78,420 •
+3.0% growth
Human resources specialists
$72,910 •
+6.2% growth
Compensation, benefits, and job analysis specialists
$77,020 •
+5.3% growth
Arbitrators, mediators, and conciliators
$67,710 •
+4.3% growth
Top Skills Required
Active Listening
Speaking
Negotiation
Reading Comprehension
Writing
Daily Tasks & Responsibilities
- Negotiate collective bargaining agreements.
- Investigate and evaluate union complaints or arguments to determine viability.
- Propose resolutions for collective bargaining or other labor or contract negotiations.
- Draft contract proposals or counter-proposals for collective bargaining or other labor negotiations.
- Interpret contractual agreements for employers and employees engaged in collective bargaining or other labor relations processes.
- Prepare evidence for disciplinary hearings, including preparing witnesses to testify.
- Mediate discussions between employer and employee representatives in attempt to reconcile differences.
- Review employer practices or employee data to ensure compliance with contracts on matters such as wages, hours, or conditions of employment.
- Recommend collective bargaining strategies, goals, or objectives.
- Monitor company or workforce adherence to labor agreements.
Technology & Tools
📚 Entry-Level Education
Bachelor's degree
Most common requirement
🎯 Recommended Education
Bachelor's Degree
O*NET recommended level
Degree Programs for Labor relations specialists
These degree programs can prepare you for a career as a labor relations specialists:
Human Resources Management/Personnel Administration, General
17,602 degrees awarded •
531 colleges offer this program
Labor and Industrial Relations
1,540 degrees awarded •
26 colleges offer this program
Dispute Resolution
586 degrees awarded •
34 colleges offer this program
Labor Studies
180 degrees awarded •
15 colleges offer this program
Best Colleges for Becoming a Labor relations specialists
Ranked by Repit grade, then by degrees in related programs. These are the top-rated colleges that prepare students to become labor relations specialists.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much do labor relations specialists make?
The median annual salary for labor relations specialists is $93,500.
What education do labor relations specialists need?
Most labor relations specialists positions require a bachelor's degree.
Common degree programs include Human Resources Management/Personnel Administration, General, Labor and Industrial Relations, Dispute Resolution.
Is becoming labor relations specialists a good career choice?
Labor relations specialists is projected to see -0.1% job growth from 2024 to 2034,
which reflects some decline in the field. With approximately 5,100 job openings expected annually,
there are good opportunities for those entering the field.
What are the best colleges for labor relations specialists?
Top colleges for aspiring labor relations specialists include
University of California-Los Angeles, Cornell University, University of Southern California, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Columbia University in the City of New York.
These schools are ranked based on their Repit grade and the number of graduates in related programs.
What other job titles are similar to labor relations specialists?
Labor relations specialists may also be known as: Appeals and Grievances Specialist, Arbitration Specialist, Business Agent, Business Representative, Collective Bargaining Specialist, Conciliator, Contract Negotiator, Employee and Labor Relations Specialist, Employee Engagement Specialist, Employee Experience Specialist, Employee Relations Consultant, Employee Relations Coordinator, Employee Relations Generalist, Employee Relations Representative (Employee Relations Rep), Employee Relations Specialist, Employee Representative (Employee Rep), Employer Relations Representative (Employer Relations Rep), Employer Relations Specialist, Grievance and Appeals Specialist, Grievance Manager.
These titles often refer to similar roles with varying responsibilities or specializations.