Top Skills for This Career
BLS identifies these as the three highest-rated skills for this detailed occupation. TrustInEd adds the plain-language explanations so visitors understand what each skill means.
Understanding written information and communicating ideas clearly in writing.
Adjusting effectively when priorities, conditions, tools, or expectations change.
Identifying problems, considering possible solutions, and choosing appropriate actions.
How Do You Prepare for This Career?
BLS describes the typical preparation for this occupation. Requirements can vary by employer, state, licensing rules and individual circumstances.
How to Become One
How to Become a Labor Relations Specialist Labor relations specialists typically need a bachelor’s degree, and they may need experience in a related occupation. To enter the occupation, these specialists typically need a bachelor’s degree in labor and industrial relations, human resources, business, or a related field. Specialists also may need several years of experience in a related occupation.
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. Work Experience in a Related Occupation Many positions require that candidates have work experience. Candidates can gain experience as human resources specialists, compensation, benefits, and job analysis specialists, or human resources generalists before specializing in labor relations.
Training
s, 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.
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.
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Pay
the median annual wage for all workers was $50,980.
Job Outlook
Job Outlook Employment of labor relations specialists is projected to show little or no change from 2025 to 2035. Despite limited employment growth, about 4,800 openings for labor relations specialists are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Most of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire. Employment If union membership rates remain stable or decline, overall demand for these specialists will be limited. However, there will still be some need for labor relations specialists’ expertise as union negotiations and contract disputes continue. Labor Relations Specialists Percent change in employment, projected 2025–35 Business operations specialists 6% Total, all occupations 3% Labor relations specialists 2% Note: All Occupations includes all occupations in the U.S. Economy.
What They Do
What Labor Relations Specialists Do
Labor relations specialists (also called employee relations specialists) resolve employee-management disputes, negotiate labor contracts, and coordinate grievance procedures regarding worker complaints. They may offer input on issues such as wages and salaries, nonwage benefits, and union or management practices.
Duties
Labor relations specialists typically do the following:
- Support interactions and negotiations between management and employee representatives, such as labor unions
- Develop, draft, and implement an organization’s policies, handbooks, and codes of conduct
- Ensure compliance with collective bargaining or other agreements and employment policies
- Investigate worker misconduct and advise management on appropriate response and disciplinary procedures
- Manage employee grievances and discipline processes
- Resolve internal workplace disputes
- Guide employees on the terms of their employment
- Train management on labor relations and other policies and procedures
Labor relations specialists work with representatives for an organization’s management and employees. In addition to leading meetings between the two groups, labor relations specialists draft an agreement regarding organizational policies and procedures. These contracts, called collective bargaining agreements when negotiated between management and labor unions, serve as a legal and procedural guide for employee-management relations.
Once an organization’s policies are in place, labor relations specialists may work with either side to enforce them. For example, specialists may guide a manager in taking disciplinary action against an employee according to proper procedures. Other specialists may address worker grievances to ensure that they comply with relevant processes.
Labor relations specialists also instruct managers and employees about their organization’s policies and procedures. For example, they may provide trainings to management or share informational newsletters with employees that cover different issues specific to each group.
Work Environment
Work Environment
Labor relations specialists held about 66,300 jobs in 2025. The largest employers of labor relations specialists were as follows:
| Labor unions and similar labor organizations | 72% |
| Government, excluding state and local education and hospitals | 4 |
| Management of companies and enterprises | 3 |
Labor relations specialists typically work in an office setting. Travel, such as to attend meetings or to engage with workers onsite, may be required. The work of labor relations specialists may be stressful if negotiating contracts and resolving grievances become tense.
Work Schedules
Most labor relations specialists work full time. They sometimes work for long periods, such as when preparing for meetings or settling disputes.
Important Qualities
The following are examples of qualities that are important for these workers to perform their duties. For more information, visit the Employment Projections (EP) skills data page. 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
More Information
More Information, Including Links to O*NET
Learn more about labor relations specialists by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
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Start with ED →Career data and occupational profile text are sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook and Employment Projections program. Education requirements are typical entry-level requirements and may vary by employer, state, occupation or individual circumstance. View the official BLS profile.