As of May 01, 2026, the average salary for a Labor Relations Specialist I in the United States is $65,866 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $32.
However, a Labor Relations Specialist I's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Labor Relations Specialist I's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location, education and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of a Labor Relations Specialist I's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here's how the average salary grows at different career stages:
| Job Role | Years of Experience | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Labor Relations Specialist I | 0-2 years | $65,866 |
| Labor Relations Specialist II | 2-4 years | $80,785 |
| Labor Relations Specialist III | 4-7 years | $97,917 |
| Labor Relations Specialist IV | 7+ years | $120,251 |
| Labor Relations Manager | 7+ years | $135,293 |
What Am I Worth?
Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract Labor Relations Specialist Is. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Leadership | 5.2% |
| Microsoft Office | 1.42% |
| Economics | 0.88% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Commitment
|
$81,015 |
23%
|
|
Workforce Planning
|
$77,722 |
18%
|
|
Employment Law
|
$75,087 |
14%
|
|
Employee Relations
|
$73,111 |
11%
|
|
Coordination
|
$70,477 |
7%
|
|
Analysis
|
$69,818 |
6%
|
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Labor Relations Specialist Is enter the field with a Bachelor's Degree degree, higher education can lead to more specialized and higher-paying roles.
According to our 100% employer-reported salary data, the median salary for a Labor Relations Specialist I with a Bachelor's Degree is between $70,289 and $76,937).
Labor Relations Specialist I Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 8.2% |
| High School | 8.2% |
| Associates | 6.1% |
| Bachelors | 40.8% |
| Masters | 30.6% |
| Doctorate | 14.3% |
Understanding how a Labor Relations Specialist I's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.
Last Updated on May 01, 2026For a Labor Relations Specialist I, the most direct path to higher earnings is advancing to the Labor Relations Specialist II role. This promotion typically comes with a significant pay increase, bringing the average annual salary to $80,785 - a projected growth of 23% over your current level.
Salaries for a Labor Relations Specialist I can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $59,756 in 2023 to around $58,676 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Labor Relations Specialist I salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
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|
| 2023 | $59,756 |
| 2024 | $59,147 |
| 2025 | $58,676 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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A Labor Relations Specialist I's earning potential can vary widely depending on several factors, including location, industry, experience, education, and the specific employer. According to the latest salary data by Salary.com, a Labor Relations Specialist I earns the most in San Jose, CA, where the annual salary of a Labor Relations Specialist I is $83,077.
The highest pay for Labor Relations Specialist I is $79,881.
The lowest pay for Labor Relations Specialist I is $57,311.
Participates in labor contract negotiations. May prepare contract agreements. Must be familiar with federal, state and local regulations pertaining to labor issues. Represents the organization in legal hearings on labor issues and with labor governing bodies. Makes recommendations for changes to existing policies to ensure compliance with new or proposed regulations. Requires a bachelor's degree in a related area. Typically reports to a manager. Typically requires 0-2 years of related experience. Works on projects/matters of limited complexity in a support role. Work is closely managed.
Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.
We offer detailed salary information across multiple percentiles for your reference. (Click here to learn Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial for Achieving Pay Equity.)
With the most extensive online, real-time compensation data available, Salary.com helps you pinpoint your exact pay target.
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