1

Labor Negotiator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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

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 ...

Director, Labor Relations

San Jose, CA · On-site

$135K - $185K/yr

Collective Bargaining & Negotiations * Lead or support collective bargaining negotiations ... Train managers and leaders on labor relations best practices, lawful communications, and campaign ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Labor Negotiator information

See salary details

$13

$46

$91

How much do labor negotiator jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 9, 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 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 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 labor negotiators?

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 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.

More about Labor Negotiator jobs
What cities are hiring for Labor Negotiator jobs? Cities with the most Labor Negotiator job openings:
What states have the most Labor Negotiator jobs? States with the most job openings for Labor Negotiator jobs include:
Labor Relations Negotiator

Labor Relations Negotiator

Legacy Health

Portland, OR

$57.75 - $86.05/hr

Full-time

Posted 10 days ago


Job description

Overview

The People & Culture organization at Legacy is about prioritizing our people so that we can prioritize our patients. We are transforming a traditional human resources function into a team of professionals who develop creative solutions to attract, develop and retain diverse, high performing talent. Within the People & Culture team, we are building a spirit of curiosity, experimenting with innovative approaches and challenging past practices to ensure we aren't just responding to today's workforce challenges, but can predict them. This is a pivotal moment in the healthcare industry, and Legacy's People & Culture team sees this as an opportunity to reimagine what it means to work in one of the world's most complex yet rewarding industries. For us it's about building a legacy where our people can do their best and be their best.

This is a highly consultative, hybrid position that offers the flexibility of remote work alongside the necessity of in-person relationship building throughout the Portland Metro & SW Washington area. 

About Legacy Health

As the largest nonprofit health system serving Portland-Southwest Washington and the mid-Willamette Valley, Legacy Health provides comprehensive care across six hospitals - including Randall Children's Hospital at Legacy Emanuel, a center solely dedicated to children's care. We operate over 70 primary care, specialty, and urgent care clinics, employ nearly 3,000 doctors and providers, and more than 13,000 employees. Our system also includes labs and a research center.

Legacy Health's major partnerships include PacificSource Health Plans and the Unity Center for Behavioral Health - a unique facility for individuals facing mental health crises, collaboratively operated by four regional health systems and numerous community partners.

Responsibilities

Serves as Chief Negotiator, leading collective bargaining efforts across multiple bargaining units. Leads and coordinates all aspects of collective bargaining, including preparation, proposal development, negotiations at the table, collaborating with Finance for costing models, and ratification strategy.

Provides expert consultation and strategic guidance to executive leadership, operational leaders, P&C partners, and union representatives regarding labor relations strategy, negotiations, contract administration, and dispute resolution. Serves as a participant on Executive committees related to labor including the Labor Exec Steering Committee, Labor Bargaining Council, etc.

Develops system-wide labor strategies that align operational, financial, and workforce priorities while maintaining productive labor-management relationships.

Qualifications

Education: 

  • Bachelor's degree required, Master's preferred.
    • Relevant experience may be substituted for educational requirements.
  • PHR or SPHR certification preferred. 

Experience:

  • Ten years or more of progressively responsible experience in the People and Culture or Labor Relations field, or in labor law.
  • Experience serving as Chief Negotiator and developing strategic approaches.
  • Knowledge of laws, acts and regulations governing employee and labor relations.
  • Health Care experience preferred.   

Skills: 

  • Expert knowledge of all labor relations (negotiations, grievances, arbitrations)
  • Working knowledge of People and Culture functional areas (employment, benefits, compensation, employee relations, training and development, human resources information systems, workforce planning).
  • Strong negotiation skills.
  • Strong data analysis skills.
  • Strong presentation skills, ability to present data and information as a subject matter expert.  
  • Demonstrated ability to discern pertinent data from raw information, evaluate and consult around solutions.  
  • Demonstrated ability to influence decisions and actions of customers.  
  • Comfortable with public speaking to include a wide variety of audiences. 
  • Strong verbal and written communication skills. 
Pay RangeUSD $57.75 - USD $86.05 /Hr.Our Commitment to Health and Equal Opportunity

Our Legacy is good for health for Our People, Our Patients, Our Communities, Our World. Above all, we will do the right thing.

If you are passionate about our mission and believe you can contribute to our team, we encourage you to apply-even if you don't meet every qualification listed. We are committed to fostering an inclusive environment where everyone can grow and succeed.

Legacy Health is an equal opportunity employer and prohibits unlawful discrimination and harassment of any type and affords equal employment opportunities to employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion or creed, citizenship status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, pregnancy, age, national origin, disability status, genetic information, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

To learn more about our employee benefits click here: www.legacyhealth.org/For-Health-Professionals/careers/benefiting-you

Employment Type: FULL_TIME