Career Trends: Labor Relations Specialists

Labor relations specialists interpret and administer labor contracts regarding issues such as wages and salaries, healthcare, pensions, and union and management practices.

Labor relations specialists generally work in offices. Most work full time during regular business hours.

Applicants usually have a bachelor’s degree in labor relations, human resources, industrial relations, business, or a related field. However, the level of education and experience required varies by position and employer. 

Employment of labor relations specialists is projected to decline 8 percent from 2014 to 2024. The number of workers represented by unions has declined, resulting in less demand for the services of labor relations specialists.

This occupation supported 77,600 jobs in 2012 and 82,100 jobs in 2014, reflecting an increase of 5.8%. In 2012, this occupation was projected to decrease by 0.9% in 2022 to 76,900 jobs. As of 2014, to keep pace with prediction, the expected number of jobs was 77,400, compared with an observed value of 82,100, 6.1% higher than expected. This indicates current employment trends are much better than the 2012 trend within this occupation. In 2014, this occupation was projected to decrease by 8.4% in 2024 to 75,600 jobs. Linear extrapolation of the 2012 projection for 2022 results in an expected number of 76,700 jobs for 2024, 1.5% higher than the 2014 projection for 2024. This indicates expectations for future employment trends are about on track with the 2012 trend within this occupation.