Labor Relations Specialists
Labor relations specialists handle disputes between employees and management by negotiating contracts, resolving grievances, and managing workplace conflicts. They work in corporate human resources departments, government agencies, unions, and law firms. The role requires knowledge of employment law, contract negotiation, and conflict resolution.
Four short assessments and your background, scored against labor relations specialists and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
A day in the work
A labor relations specialist might spend Monday reviewing a grievance complaint and meeting with the employee involved. Tuesday could involve researching precedent cases and preparing documentation. Wednesday might include facilitating a discussion between a manager and employee. By week's end, the specialist could be drafting contract language for collective bargaining negotiations or preparing for a hearing. Much work involves email, document review, and meetings with multiple parties.
Who this work suits
Holland code ECS. Enterprising work is leading, persuading and making decisions. Aptly’s interest assessment scores you on the same six scales.
This work suits people who are comfortable with organizational systems, rules, and procedures, and who also enjoy persuading others and making business decisions. You do well here if you're detail-oriented, comfortable navigating complex policies, and energized by negotiation and problem-solving across competing interests.
What it takes
Preparation: Considerable preparation (most need a bachelor’s degree and several years of experience). Most people in this occupation hold a bachelor’s degree.
Skills that matter most
Knowledge areas
Openings right now
- Supervisory HR Specialist (Employee and Labor Relations) · Office of the Secretary of Health and Human Services · Multiple Locations · $107446–$139684
- Human Resources Specialist (Labor/Employee Relations) · National Endowment for the Arts · Washington, District of Columbia · $85447–$102415
- Supervisory Human Resources Specialist (Employee Relations / Labor Relations) · National Institutes of Health · Location Negotiable After Selection · $125776–$187093
- Human Resources Specialist (Employee and Labor Relations) · Department of Energy Headquarters · Multiple Locations · $106437–$158322
- HR Specialist (Employee and Labor Relations) · Office of the Secretary of Health and Human Services · Multiple Locations · $76463–$118204
- Human Resources Specialist (Employee and Labor Relations) · Office of the Secretary of Health and Human Services · Multiple Locations · $107446–$139684
- HR SPECIALIST (PERFORMANCE MANAGEMENT & EMPLOYEE/LABOR RELATIONS) · Air National Guard Units · Helena, Montana · $89508–$116362
- Human Resources Specialist (Labor Relations Officer)- Direct Hire Authority · Air Force Materiel Command · Hanscom AFB, Massachusetts · $101375–$156715
Openings are read from employers’ own career pages and public job boards and change daily. Search all openings (free account) to filter by distance, pay and how well you qualify.
Pay by state
| State | 25th pct | Median | 75th pct | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| New Jersey | $86,600 | $118,370 | $132,830 | 3,700 |
| District of Columbia | $97,650 | $115,600 | $153,990 | 160 |
| Massachusetts | $81,610 | $111,260 | $132,350 | 1,660 |
| California | $76,770 | $105,810 | $129,970 | 8,830 |
| Illinois | $79,380 | $104,180 | $116,890 | 3,670 |
| Washington | $76,960 | $104,100 | $129,600 | 2,760 |
| North Dakota | $79,500 | $101,220 | $115,540 | 90 |
| Minnesota | $94,430 | $100,760 | $132,910 | 1,710 |
| New York | $78,390 | $100,500 | $138,860 | 6,860 |
| Virginia | $78,290 | $98,730 | $124,620 | 990 |
| Delaware | $77,590 | $97,390 | $128,940 | 280 |
| Arizona | $77,940 | $97,070 | $109,860 | 790 |
All 50 states, D.C. and Puerto Rico
Certifications people in this field hold
- Certified Outsourcing Specialist- Foundation Principles (COP-FP) — International Association of Outsourcing Professionals
Training
Aptly members see WIOA-approved programs, colleges and certificates near them, with completion and earnings data, on every Path plan.
Job titles in this occupation
Related occupations
Four short assessments and your background, scored against labor relations specialists and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
O*NET-SOC 13-1075.00 · O*NET OnLine. Pay: BLS OEWS May 2025, annual, U.S. Employment counts are national.