How much does a labor relations specialist make?
The median labor relations specialist in the United States earns $95,420 per year, about $45.87 an hour. That is the midpoint of the profession: half of all labor relations specialists earn more, and half earn less.
Source: BLS OEWS, May 2025. SOC code 13-1075.
Labor relations specialist salary range
Pay for labor relations specialists spans a wide band. The lowest paid 10 percent earn under $50,490 a year, while the highest paid 10 percent take home more than $156,180. The average (mean) wage of $98,720 runs a bit higher than the median, which is normal for jobs where a group of top earners pulls the average up.
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $50,490 | $24.27 | Lowest paid |
| 25th percentile | $71,920 | $34.58 | |
| Median (50th) | $95,420 | $45.87 | Midpoint |
| 75th percentile | $123,420 | $59.34 | |
| 90th percentile | $156,180 | $75.09 | Highest paid |
Figures are national wage estimates for labor relations specialists (SOC 13-1075), U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS, May 2025.
Labor relations specialist salary by state
Where you work changes the paycheck. Labor relations specialists earn the most in New Jersey at $118,370 a year, and the least in Alabama at $48,120. The table below lists every state with published data, ranked by median annual salary.
| State | Median annual | Employed |
|---|---|---|
| New Jersey | $118,370 | 3,700 |
| District of Columbia | $115,600 | 160 |
| Massachusetts | $111,260 | 1,660 |
| California | $105,810 | 8,830 |
| Illinois | $104,180 | 3,670 |
| Washington | $104,100 | 2,760 |
| North Dakota | $101,220 | 90 |
| Minnesota | $100,760 | 1,710 |
| New York | $100,500 | 6,860 |
| Virginia | $98,730 | 990 |
| Delaware | $97,390 | 280 |
| Arizona | $97,070 | 790 |
| Maine | $96,680 | 210 |
| Wisconsin | $95,750 | 1,690 |
| Maryland | $94,030 | 890 |
| Missouri | $93,840 | 1,190 |
| Idaho | $93,110 | 190 |
| Pennsylvania | $91,320 | 3,470 |
| Rhode Island | $88,030 | 410 |
| West Virginia | $88,020 | 420 |
| Wyoming | $87,310 | 60 |
| Colorado | $87,150 | 470 |
| North Carolina | $86,270 | 690 |
| Vermont | $85,870 | 120 |
| New Hampshire | $84,780 | 150 |
| New Mexico | $83,770 | 120 |
| Kansas | $82,750 | 370 |
| Nebraska | $81,910 | 270 |
| Florida | $81,700 | 1,970 |
| Georgia | $81,480 | 920 |
| Oregon | $80,490 | 1,210 |
| Ohio | $80,150 | 4,100 |
| Texas | $79,640 | 2,590 |
| Connecticut | $79,620 | 1,240 |
| Mississippi | $79,360 | 200 |
| Iowa | $79,140 | 610 |
| Louisiana | $78,110 | 170 |
| South Carolina | $78,050 | 340 |
| Alaska | $77,870 | 380 |
| Hawaii | $77,310 | 510 |
| Nevada | $77,240 | 610 |
| Indiana | $77,190 | 2,600 |
| Tennessee | $76,930 | 560 |
| Michigan | $73,760 | 2,430 |
| Kentucky | $73,550 | 640 |
| Montana | $70,360 | 160 |
| Oklahoma | $62,400 | 250 |
| Arkansas | $62,070 | 180 |
| Utah | $61,190 | 250 |
| South Dakota | $57,900 | 100 |
| Alabama | $48,120 | 590 |
State median wages for labor relations specialists (SOC 13-1075), U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS state files, May 2025. States where the BLS does not publish a median are not shown.
Job outlook for labor relations specialists
The BLS projects employment of labor relations specialists to grow 2.1% from 2025 to 2035. That is about as fast as the 3.5% average for all occupations. That works out to roughly 66,300 jobs in 2025 moving toward 67,700 by 2035.
Across the decade, the BLS expects about 4,800 openings a year for labor relations specialists. Most come from the need to replace workers who move to other jobs or leave the workforce, on top of any new positions from growth.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections program, 2025-35 (Table 1.2, Occupational projections and worker characteristics).
How to become a labor relations specialist
The typical entry-level education for labor relations specialists is a bachelor's degree, according to the BLS. Most roles also expect less than 5 years of work experience in a related occupation.
Education, training, and experience data: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections program.
What affects how much a labor relations specialist earns
Firm size, industry, certifications, and years of experience drive the spread. Large firms and major financial centers pay well above small-town or entry-level roles.
Location is one of the clearest factors. The gap between the top paying state (New Jersey, $118,370) and the lowest (Alabama, $48,120) shows how much geography alone can move the number, before experience or specialization.
About 64,810 people work as labor relations specialists in the United States. At $95,420 a year, the job pays above the $50,980 median for all U.S. jobs.
Labor relations specialist salary FAQ
How much does a labor relations specialist make an hour?
The median hourly wage for a labor relations specialist is $45.87. The middle half of labor relations specialists earn between $34.58 and $59.34 per hour.
What is the highest labor relations specialist salary?
The highest paid 10 percent of labor relations specialists earn more than $156,180 per year. Top earners usually have the most experience and work in the best paying regions and industries.
How much does a labor relations specialist make a year?
The median annual salary for a labor relations specialist is $95,420. The average (mean) wage of $98,720 runs a bit higher than the median, which is normal for jobs where a group of top earners pulls the average up.
Is being a labor relations specialist a well paid job?
At $95,420 a year, a labor relations specialist earns above the $50,980 median for all U.S. jobs. About 64,810 people work as labor relations specialists in the United States.
Which state pays labor relations specialists the most?
New Jersey has the highest median salary for labor relations specialists at $118,370 a year. District of Columbia ($115,600) and Massachusetts ($111,260) follow. State medians come from the BLS OEWS state files, May 2025.
Is being a labor relations specialist a good career?
Employment of labor relations specialists is projected to grow 2.1% from 2025 to 2035, about as fast as the 3.5% average for all occupations. The BLS projects about 4,800 openings each year, from growth and from workers leaving the occupation.
Do you need a degree to become a labor relations specialist?
The BLS lists the typical entry-level education for labor relations specialists as a bachelor's degree, so a college degree is usually expected.
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