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Labor Negotiator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Labor and Employment Attorney

Denver, CO · Hybrid

$220K - $270K/yr

This is a great fit for an attorney who enjoys hands-on client counseling, labor negotiations, and managing complex litigation from intake through resolution. Key Responsibilities: * Advise employers ...

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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 Jul 2, 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.

Which US states are not right to work?

In the United States, right-to-work laws are enacted at the state level, and currently, 27 states have such laws that prohibit agreements requiring union membership as a condition of employment. Labor negotiators should be aware of these laws, as they influence union activities, collective bargaining, and employee rights within each state. Understanding state-specific labor laws is essential for effective negotiation and compliance.

What jobs pay 4000 a week without a degree?

A labor negotiator typically earns less than $4,000 per week without a degree, as the role often requires specialized training or experience. However, high-paying jobs that can reach or exceed this amount without a degree include commercial pilots, real estate brokers, and certain sales managers, which often rely on skills, certifications, or licensing rather than formal education. These roles may involve commission-based pay, overtime, or performance bonuses to reach higher weekly earnings.

What is a labor negotiator?

A labor negotiator is a professional who represents employees or employers in collective bargaining to negotiate wages, benefits, and working conditions. They often work for unions or management and need strong communication, negotiation skills, and knowledge of labor laws. Their goal is to reach agreements that satisfy both parties while maintaining compliance with legal standards.

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.

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.

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:
Infographic showing various Labor Negotiator job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 13% Locum Tenens, 19% As Needed, 19% Full Time, 13% Temporary, and 36% Nights. 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 Economist

Other

This job post has expired 2 days ago. Applications are no longer accepted.


Job description

FUNCTIONAL PURPOSE:

Conducts in-depth data analysis including research to develop economic proposals in support of national labor negotiations and operational, budgetary, and strategic business objectives.


DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:


1. Creates and utilizes costing models to inform the development of short and long-term cost projections related to organizational business needs.


2. Leads cross-functional projects and initiatives in support of labor negotiations; conducts cost and economic analyses and forecasts organizational impacts based on analysis. Provides information direction and guidance to stakeholders regarding pay and benefits comparisons, economic forecasting and costing models in support of labor negotiations.


3. Develops and analyzes the impact of labor proposals on the employment costs of bargaining unit employees and evaluates comparability to the overall labor market.


4. Collaborates with internal stakeholders (e.g., operations, finance) to analyze and develop recommendations based on financial and operational data. Uses results to inform the development of economic proposals and negotiations strategies.


5. Evaluates and reviews current or alternative elements of bargaining unit pay structure such as locality pay systems, performance-based pay systems, and cost of living formulas to determine potential financial impacts to the organization.


6. Provides expert economic testimony in grievance arbitration and other legal proceedings. Serves as a technical expert and witness in legal proceedings in the area of labor economics.


7. Researches and identifies ongoing trends and insights regarding key government econometric measures and their impact on postal bargaining units; evaluates wage, benefits and labor relations trends (e.g., initial hiring, turnover/attrition rates) in the private sector to determine shifts in labor negotiations strategies.


8. Partners with stakeholders to implement cross-functional changes necessary to achieve and maintain compliance with labor commitments and obligations.


REQUIREMENTS:


  1. Ability to manage projects and programs, which includes planning, developing timelines, determining resource requirements, evaluating progress, and reporting results.
  2. Ability to provide technical guidance and feedback to all stakeholders regarding labor negotiations including proposal creation, review, and associated cost estimates.
  3. Ability to serve as expert labor economic witness and provide testimony in grievance arbitration and other legal proceedings that require clear and concise communication of complex technical economic data, analysis, and concepts.
  4. Ability to use statistical analysis methods and procedures sufficient to determine and conduct analysis necessary to inform organizational business decisions.
  5. Ability to utilize business analytics software (e.g., Excel, Pivot Tables, Vlookup, Excel formulas) to compile, extract, analyze data and summarize results.
  6. Ability to present research results and analysis both orally and in writing, in an actionable format to diverse audiences and levels of management.
  7. Ability to conduct cost estimation and trend analysis sufficient to evaluate alternative pay structures, develop costing models, and make informed recommendations to stakeholders.
  8. Knowledge of programming languages such as SQL and VBA sufficient to extract data from databases and troubleshoot queries.
  9. EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENT: Applicants must possess one of the following: 1. Bachelors or Graduate degree in Economics, that included at least 21 semester hours in economics and 3 semester hours in statistics, accounting, or calculus. OR 2. Combination of education and experience: courses equivalent to a major in economics, as shown in 1 and professional economics experience that included economic research assignments that required analysis, evaluation, conclusions and report preparation.