What Labor Relations Specialists do
The U.S. Department of Labor's O*NET database describes the work of Labor Relations Specialists this way: "Resolve disputes between workers and managers, negotiate collective bargaining agreements, or coordinate grievance procedures to handle employee complaints."
The core tasks O*NET records for this occupation include: "Call or meet with union, company, government, or other interested parties to discuss labor relations matters, such as contract negotiations or grievances"; "Draft contract proposals or counter-proposals for collective bargaining or other labor negotiations"; "Draft rules or regulations to govern collective bargaining activities in collaboration with company, government, or employee representatives"; "Identify alternatives to proposals of unions, employees, companies, or government agencies"; "Interpret contractual agreements for employers and employees engaged in collective bargaining or other labor relations processes".
Education, experience and training
According to the BLS Employment Projections, the typical education needed to enter this occupation is bachelor's degree. Work experience in a related occupation is typically less than 5 years.
Job outlook for Labor Relations Specialists
The Bureau of Labor Statistics counted 66,300 jobs in this occupation in 2025 and projects 67,700 in 2035, an increase of 1,400 jobs (+2.1%). That is slower than the 3.5% projected for all occupations.
About 4,800 openings a year are projected on average, counting both new positions and positions vacated by workers who retire or switch occupations. Relative to today's employment that is 7.2% a year, against 10.3% for all occupations. BLS lists a national median annual wage of $95,420, compared with $50,980 for all occupations.
Where Labor Relations Specialists earn the most
Across the 2 states with published data, the employment-weighted average of local median wages for this occupation ranges from $103,701 in New York to $106,069 in New Jersey, a gap of $2,367 (1.02 times). 2 of those 2 states average above the BLS national median of $95,420 and 0 average at or below it.
New Jersey employs the most people in this occupation among the states covered, 9,360, which is 50.9% of the 18,400 counted across them. New York follows with 9,040.
Highest-paying states
New Jersey ($106,069) and New York ($103,701) lead the ranking, while New York ($103,701) and New Jersey ($106,069) are at the bottom. The table below lists every state with a link to its county-level detail.
Occupations related to Labor Relations Specialists
Human Resources Specialists belong to the same detailed SOC group. Other occupations in the same SOC minor group (13-1000) include Management Analysts, Project Management Specialists, Logisticians and Compliance Officers.
Frequently asked questions about Labor Relations Specialists
How much do Labor Relations Specialists earn in the United States?
BLS lists a national median annual wage of $95,420. Across the states covered here the average local median ranges from $103,701 to $106,069.
Which state pays Labor Relations Specialists the most?
New Jersey, with an employment-weighted average local median wage of $106,069. New York is next at $103,701.
Is Labor Relations Specialists a growing occupation?
BLS projects employment to grow by 2.1% between 2025 and 2035, compared with 3.5% for all occupations, with about 4,800 openings a year.
What education do Labor Relations Specialists need?
The typical entry-level education is bachelor's degree, with work experience in a related occupation of less than 5 years, according to BLS.