How much does a labor relations rep make?
a year · about $46 an hour
A typical labor relations rep in the United States makes $95,420 a year, about $46 an hour, about 1.9× a typical US worker (median, May 2025, US Bureau of Labor Statistics).
What do they do?
They meet with union and company representatives to discuss agreements and workers’ complaints. Between meetings, they draft proposals and check that workplace rules and contracts are followed.
Did you know? In the U.S., about 72% of labor relations specialists worked for labor unions and similar groups in 2024—not just company HR departments.
Is that a lot?
Compared with jobs you knowIf 100 people had this job
Most earn between $50,490 and $156,180How do you become one?
In the United States, earn a bachelor’s degree in labor and industrial relations, human resources, business, or a related field. Many people first gain experience in HR or benefits jobs; certification is optional, though some employers prefer it.
School needed: Usually a bachelor's degree
Good for people who like leading and selling and keeping things organized
Why does pay differ?
In the United States, pay can vary by location and employer, such as a union, company, or government agency. Related experience and optional professional certification can also affect which jobs someone qualifies for.
Where does it pay most?
Highest in New Jersey ($118,370), lowest in Kentucky ($73,550).
See every state
Top 5 and bottom 3 states, typical (median) yearly pay.
Jobs like this
Data table and sources
| Lower earner (10th from bottom) | Typical person (median) | Higher earner (10th from top) | People in this job |
|---|---|---|---|
| $50,490 | $95,420 | $156,180 | about 65,000 |
| State | Typical person (median) | People in this job |
|---|---|---|
| New Jersey | $118,370 | about 4,000 |
| Massachusetts | $111,260 | about 2,000 |
| California | $105,810 | about 9,000 |
| Illinois | $104,180 | about 4,000 |
| Washington | $104,100 | about 3,000 |
Official definition: Resolve disputes between workers and managers, negotiate collective bargaining agreements, or coordinate grievance procedures to handle employee complaints. Excludes equal employment opportunity (EEO) officers, who are included in “Compliance Officers” (13-1041).
Source: US Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS May 2025 (bls.gov); descriptions and related jobs from O*NET 31.0. Figures as of May 2025, full-time yearly pay (hourly × 2,080 hours). bls.gov/oes · O*NET OnLine
Pages used for the text
- www.bls.gov/ooh/business-and-financial/print/labor-relations-specialists.htm
- www.onetonline.org/link/summary/13-1075.00
- www.bls.gov/oes/2023/may/oes131075.htm
Data: US BLS OEWS, May 2025 · 1 USD = 150 JPY