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Labor Negotiator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

City of Bellevue

Labor Negotiator

Bellevue, WA · On-site +1

$130K - $179K/yr

If so, the City of Bellevue has an exceptional opportunity for a Labor Negotiator, HR Manager who will join our Labor Relations team as a lead negotiator. You will be responsible for developing ...

King County, WA

Labor Relations Negotiator

Seattle, WA · On-site

$136K - $172K/yr

Determining strategy and coordinating resources to present the County's interest in labor negotiations, advising departments and Executive Leadership on contract interpretation and application.

King County

Labor Relations Negotiator

Seattle, WA · On-site

Determining strategy and coordinating resources to present the County's interest in labor negotiations, advising departments and Executive Leadership on contract interpretation and application.

New

UNFI

Labor Relations Manager

Providence, RI · On-site +1

Supports chief labor negotiator in collective bargaining, including preparation and analysis of proposals, meeting preparation, note-taking, and implementation of ratified agreements. * Builds and ...

L3HHCM20

Lead, Labor Relations

Camden, NJ · On-site

Lead, Human Resources Business Partner (Labor Relations) Job Code: 44053 Job Location: Camden, NJ ... This role will serve as the chief negotiator for select collective bargaining agreements. This ...

First Student

Labor Counsel

Saint Louis, MO · On-site

Serves as chief negotiator in collective bargaining negotiations for various operational locations, involving a variety of unions. * Having first-chair, chief labor negotiator spokesperson experience ...

First Student, Inc.

Labor Counsel

Saint Louis, MO · On-site

Serves as chief negotiator in collective bargaining negotiations for various operational locations, involving a variety of unions. * Having first-chair, chief labor negotiator spokesperson experience ...

First Student

Labor Counsel

Saint Louis, MO · On-site

Serves as chief negotiator in collective bargaining negotiations for various operational locations, involving a variety of unions. * Having first-chair, chief labor negotiator spokesperson experience ...

First Student

Labor Counsel

Saint Louis, MO · On-site

Serves as chief negotiator in collective bargaining negotiations for various operational locations, involving a variety of unions. * Having first-chair, chief labor negotiator spokesperson experience ...

Legacy Health

Labor Relations Negotiator

Portland, OR · On-site

$57.75/hr

Expert knowledge of all labor relations (negotiations, grievances, arbitrations) * Working knowledge of People and Culture functional areas (employment, benefits, compensation, employee relations ...

Legacy Health

Labor Relations Negotiator

Portland, OR · On-site

$57.75 - $86.05/hr

Expert knowledge of all labor relations (negotiations, grievances, arbitrations) * Working knowledge of People and Culture functional areas (employment, benefits, compensation, employee relations ...

Legacy Health

Labor Relations Negotiator

Portland, OR

$57.75 - $86.05/hr

Expert knowledge of all labor relations (negotiations, grievances, arbitrations) * Working knowledge of People and Culture functional areas (employment, benefits, compensation, employee relations ...

Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority

$133K - $193K/yr

You will manage labor contract negotiations, arbitration hearings, unemployment commission proceedings, and matters before the Labor Relations Council. Serves in the Labor Relations Department of the ...

Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority

$147K - $183K/yr

Provides analysis and input for labor negotiating committees. * Monitors and ensures compliance with applicable regulations. * Assists Chief Labor Relations Officer with collective bargaining ...

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Labor Negotiator information

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$13

$46

$91

How much do labor negotiator jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 13, 2026, the average hourly pay for labor negotiator in the United States is $46.36, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.43 and $60.58 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a labor negotiator?

Labor negotiators are professionals who represent either employees (usually through unions) or employers during discussions about employment terms, such as wages, benefits, working conditions, and dispute resolutions. Their primary goal is to help both parties reach a fair and mutually acceptable agreement through collective bargaining. Labor negotiators use their expertise in labor laws, contract negotiation, and conflict resolution to advocate for their client's interests while maintaining productive relationships between employers and employees.

What are some common challenges a labor negotiator faces during contract negotiations with unions?

Labor Negotiators often encounter challenges such as balancing the interests of management and employees, navigating complex labor laws and contracts, and managing tight negotiation timelines. It can be demanding to find mutually agreeable solutions on sensitive topics like wages, benefits, or workplace policies while maintaining positive relationships with union representatives. Successful negotiators rely on strong communication, problem-solving, and strategic planning skills to overcome these challenges and achieve fair agreements.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a labor negotiator, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Labor Negotiator, you need expertise in labor law, contract negotiation, and dispute resolution, often supported by a degree in human resources, law, or industrial relations. Familiarity with collective bargaining agreements, labor relations software, and legal research tools is typically required. Strong interpersonal skills, active listening, and the ability to remain calm under pressure are vital for building trust and finding common ground. These skills ensure effective negotiation outcomes, compliance with legal standards, and positive labor-management relationships.

What is the difference between Labor Negotiator vs Labor Relations Specialist?

AspectLabor NegotiatorLabor Relations Specialist
Required CredentialsTypically a bachelor's degree in labor relations, law, or related field; certifications like SHRM-CP may be beneficialSimilar educational background; certifications in HR or labor relations advantageous
Work EnvironmentOften involved in negotiations, meetings, and dispute resolution, primarily in unionized settingsFocuses on employee relations, policy development, and communication within organizations
Employer & Industry UsageUsed by unions, corporations, and government agencies during collective bargainingCommon in HR departments across various industries for managing labor issues

While both roles involve labor issues, a Labor Negotiator primarily focuses on bargaining and contract negotiations, whereas a Labor Relations Specialist handles ongoing employee relations and policy implementation within organizations.

How to become a labor negotiator?

To become a labor negotiator, individuals typically need a bachelor's degree in labor relations, law, or a related field, along with experience in human resources, law, or union work. Strong negotiation, communication, and conflict resolution skills are essential, and some roles may require certification or knowledge of labor laws and collective bargaining processes.
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Labor Negotiator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Labor Negotiator job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 76% Full Time, 19% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $96,421 per year, or $46.4 per hour.

Labor Negotiator

Emeryville, CA

Certified Employment Group Job Openings
Recruiting and Staffing Services • 11 - 50 employees
Learn more about Certified Employment Group Job Openingsexternal

$150K - $175K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 8 days ago

Job description

Title: Labor Negotiator 
Employment Type: Direct Hire, full time
Location: San Francisco Bay Area (Locals only)  
Salary Range: $150k - $175k, based on experience + full benefits



Position Summary

 A Bay Area Consulting Firm is looking for a Labor Negotiator to join the team on a full time bases. This individual serves as the chief spokesperson and strategic advisor to employers in collective bargaining, labor relations, contract administration, and workforce management matters. This position represents public and/or private sector employers in negotiations with labor unions, provides guidance on labor and employment issues, develops bargaining strategies, and helps organizations maintain productive labor-management relationships while advancing organizational goals.

Qualifications:

  • Bachelor's degree in Labor Relations, Human Resources, Business Administration, Public Administration, Political Science, Law,
  • Advanced degree (Master's, MPA, MBA, JD) preferred. 
  • Five to ten years of progressively responsible labor relations experience. 
  • Experience in public sector labor relation, private sector, handling grievances, arbitration, mediation, and dispute resolution processes.
  • Exceptional interpersonal skills with the ability to read a room, remain composed, perceptive, and professional in high-pressure environments.
  • Ability to travel onsite to work directly with clients across the Bay Area and Northern California 


Responsibilities:

  • Lead in person collective bargaining negotiations and serve as the chief spokesperson.
  • Develop bargaining strategies, proposals, cost analyses, and negotiation objectives.
  • Prepare for negotiations through research, data analysis, and settlement recommendations.
  • Draft and revise collective bargaining agreements, MOUs, and side letters.
  • Present recommendations to executive leadership and key stakeholders.
  • Advise management on labor relations strategies, contract administration, and collective bargaining agreements.
  • Support organizational change initiatives and promote effective labor-management communication.
  • Represent employers in grievance meetings, labor-management committees, mediation, arbitration, and other dispute resolution processes.
  • Research labor laws, market trends, compensation data, and analyze union proposals and cost impacts.
  • Build and maintain strong client relationships while serving as a trusted labor relations advisor.
  • Respond to client inquiries, conduct strategic planning meetings, and recommend solutions to labor relations issues.
  • Deliver training and presentations on labor relations, negotiations, and contract administration.
  • Facilitate labor-management meetings as needed.
  • Support business development through client retention, proposals, presentations, networking, and industry events.
Certified Employment Group logo

About Certified Employment Group

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Certified Employment Group started in San Francisco in 1963. Our cornerstone mission was, and remains, to provide ethical, caring service to each of our clients and employees. These values mean using technology to create efficiencies for our clients, expand our service offerings and enhance the level of service we can provide. As Northern California businesses have prospered, Certified has responded by opening branches to serve high-growth areas. We have expanded our services to include on-site management for major accounts, developing a web based interface and opening specialized divisions in Legal, Renewable Energy and Accounting. Certified remains independently owned, responsive, flexible and wholly committed to our original values. We believe this is the reason for our success. Industry rankings continually place Certified in the top ten percent based on sales!

Industry

Recruiting and staffing services

Company size

11 - 50 Employees

Headquarters location

Emeryville, CA, US

Year founded

1963

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