How to become labor relations specialistseducation, training, experience and the steps to enter

United States Management & Consulting Confidence ★★★★★

Median annual pay

$95,420

25th–75th pct. $71,920–$123,420

Top pay (est.)

$203,000

Top 10% $156,180

Pay in 5 years

$108,400est.

2031

Pay in 10 years

$123,000est.

$105,800–$142,900

Outlook score

48/100

★★☆☆☆ Average

AI replacement risk

61%

High

Job growth (10 yr)

+2.1%

4,800 openings / yr

How to become labor relations specialists

Typical education

Bachelor's degree

BLS

Related experience

Less than 5 years

On-the-job training

None

A step-by-step guide for this occupation is being prepared. The education, training and experience data above show the typical path.

Skills, education and requirements for Labor Relations Specialists

Key skills

Speaking

4.8

Active Listening

4.5

Writing

4.5

Negotiation

4.4

Persuasion

4.4

Reading Comprehension

4.2

Critical Thinking

4.1

Social Perceptiveness

4.0

O*NET skill level ratings (0–7).

Key knowledge areas

Personnel and Human Resources

4.9

English Language

4.3

Law and Government

4.1

Education and Training

4.0

Administration and Management

3.8

Customer and Personal Service

3.7

Administrative

3.5

Mathematics

3.5

What the work involves

Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with OthersEstablishing and Maintaining Interpersonal RelationshipsMaking Decisions and Solving ProblemsOrganizing, Planning, and Prioritizing WorkCommunicating with Supervisors, Peers, or SubordinatesGetting InformationScheduling Work and ActivitiesEvaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards

Important abilities

Oral ExpressionOral ComprehensionWritten ExpressionDeductive ReasoningWritten ComprehensionProblem Sensitivity

Education of workers

Bachelor's degree

33%

Master's degree

10%

Associate's degree

10%

Some college

10%

Professional degree

10%

Post-bachelor's certificate

10%

Doctoral degree

Post-secondary certificate

Less than high school

High school diploma

Training before entry

6–12 months

24%

1–2 years

19%

None / short demo

14%

Up to 1 month

14%

1–3 months

10%

3–6 months

10%

2–4 years

4–10 years

Related work experience

1–2 years

33%

4–6 years

29%

2–4 years

24%

6–12 months

1–3 months

3–6 months

Job Zone 4 — considerable preparation needed (O*NET)

Difficulty of entry: ★★★☆☆ Moderate (from education, training, experience and Job Zone)

Career path and how to earn more as labor relations specialists

Career-path guidance is being prepared. Pay by percentile is shown in the Pay section.

Related occupations

	Occupation	Pay	Outlook	AI risk
1	General and Operations Managers Plan, direct, or coordinate the operations of public or private sector organizations, overseeing multiple departments or locations.	$105,770	62/100	54%
2	Business Operations Specialists, All Other All business operations specialists not listed separately.	$83,050	65/100	30%
3	Project Management Specialists Analyze and coordinate the schedule, timeline, procurement, staffing, and budget of a product or service on a per project basis.	$102,320	57/100	70%
4	Human Resources Specialists Recruit, screen, interview, or place individuals within an organization.	$75,940	59/100	61%
5	Management Analysts Conduct organizational studies and evaluations, design systems and procedures, conduct work simplification and measurement studies, and prepare operations and procedures manuals to assist management in operating more efficiently and effectively.	$101,860	69/100	66%
6	Financial Managers Plan, direct, or coordinate accounting, investing, banking, insurance, securities, and other financial activities of a branch, office, or department of an establishment.	$166,570	65/100	65%

Pay and employment figures are national statistics. Projected pay, outlook scores and AI replacement risk are estimates from the Shigoto Zukan model, not guarantees. To request a correction, use the contact form. How to read the data

Sources: BLS OEWS May 2025; BLS Employment Projections 2025–35; O*NET 31.0 Database by USDOL/ETA (CC BY 4.0), modified by Shigoto Zukan. Pay ranges, projections and scores are Shigoto Zukan estimates.