1

Labor Relations Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Labor Relations Specialist Schedule Format - Location: Hybrid - San Francisco Pay Information: $93,705 - $140,558 Position Summary: The Labor Relations Specialist will direct support to the labor ...

Labor Relations Specialist Schedule Format - Location: Hybrid - San Francisco Pay Information: $93,705 - $140,558 Position Summary: The Labor Relations Specialist will direct support to the labor ...

Job Class: 0991 , Labor Relations Manager Salary Range: $122,873.06 - $164,976.94 Appointment Type: Permanent Exempt (PEX) (what does this mean?) Calendar: Full Time / Full Year - 260 Service Days ...

You will serve as senior resource for labor relations and contract interpretation. In this role, you will actively participate in local and system-wide bargaining, including drafting/reviewing ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Labor Relations information

See California salary details

$57.7K

$109.9K

$164.3K

How much do labor relations jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 11, 2026, the average yearly pay for labor relations in California is $109,911.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $88,800.00 and $125,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How does a labor relations specialist typically collaborate with management and union representatives to resolve workplace disputes?

Labor Relations specialists act as key intermediaries between management and union representatives, facilitating communication and negotiation during disputes or contract discussions. They often organize and participate in meetings, clarify contract terms, and mediate disagreements to ensure both parties' concerns are addressed fairly and within legal guidelines. This role requires strong interpersonal and negotiation skills, as well as a thorough understanding of labor laws and collective bargaining agreements. Working closely with HR, legal teams, and union leaders, Labor Relations specialists help maintain a productive and cooperative work environment.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in labor relations, and why are they important?

To thrive in Labor Relations, you need a solid understanding of labor laws, contract negotiation, and conflict resolution, typically supported by a degree in human resources or industrial relations. Familiarity with HR information systems (HRIS), collective bargaining software, and relevant certifications like SHRM or PHR is often expected. Strong interpersonal skills, diplomacy, and effective communication set outstanding professionals apart in this field. These capabilities are crucial for fostering positive employer-employee relationships, ensuring legal compliance, and facilitating productive workplace negotiations.

Is labor relations a stressful job?

Labor relations professionals often work in high-pressure environments involving negotiations, conflict resolution, and compliance with labor laws, which can contribute to job stress. The role requires strong communication, problem-solving skills, and the ability to manage complex and sometimes contentious situations, making it potentially stressful for some individuals.

What is the difference between Labor Relations vs Human Resources?

AspectLabor RelationsHuman Resources
Primary FocusManaging employer-union relationships, collective bargaining, labor agreementsEmployee recruitment, onboarding, benefits, compliance, and employee relations
Work EnvironmentUnionized workplaces, industries with collective bargainingVarious industries, non-unionized settings
Required CredentialsLabor relations certifications, labor law knowledgeHR certifications, general management or business background
Employer UsageLarge organizations with unionized employeesMost organizations, including non-unionized

While both roles involve employee management, Labor Relations primarily focuses on union negotiations and collective bargaining, whereas Human Resources handles overall employee management, policies, and benefits. Understanding these differences helps organizations assign the right responsibilities and professionals to each area.

What is labor relations?

Labor relations refer to the interactions between employers and employees, particularly regarding the negotiation and enforcement of collective bargaining agreements, workplace conditions, and dispute resolution. Professionals in labor relations often work to ensure compliance with labor laws, facilitate communication between management and unions, and help resolve conflicts that arise in the workplace. Their goal is to foster a productive work environment while protecting the rights and interests of both employees and employers.

What degree do you need for labor relations?

A bachelor's degree in labor relations, human resources, industrial relations, or a related field is typically required for labor relations roles. Advanced positions may prefer or require a master's degree or relevant certifications such as the SHRM-CP or SHRM-SCP. Strong communication, negotiation skills, and knowledge of employment laws are also important.
What are the most commonly searched types of Labor Relations jobs in California? The most popular types of Labor Relations jobs in California are:
What job categories do people searching Labor Relations jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Labor Relations jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Labor Relations jobs? Cities in California with the most Labor Relations job openings:
Infographic showing various Labor Relations job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 80% Full Time, 13% Part Time, 2% Temporary, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $109,911 per year, or $52.8 per hour.

Labor Relations Analyst

San Bernardino County

San Bernardino, CA • On-site

$82K - $118K/yr

Full-time

Retirement

Posted 20 days ago


San Bernardino County rating

7.7

Company rating: 7.7 out of 10

Based on 78 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

481st of 844 rated public administrative organizations


Job description

The Job PRIORITY REVIEW DEADLINE: AUGUST 7, 2026 The Labor Relations Team has an immediate opportunity for experienced Labor Relations Analyst. This position will support bargaining with labor partners, gather information for data requests, and data collection for market studies. The role requires strong Excel skills, calendar management, and the ability to work with County Leadership while maintaining confidentiality.

Excellent Benefits To review job-specific benefits, refer to: Summary of Benefits County MOUs and Salary Schedules The County also offers an alternative Modified Benefits Option (MBO) that provides a wage differential. The Labor Relations Analyst provides complex analytical support and conducts research and complex studies primarily in the areas of compensation, classification, and finance in preparation for and during collective bargaining. Essential duties include: Conduct salary and equity studies; research and identify comparable classifications; compile salary and total compensation data; maintain comparison data up-to-date.

Coordinates with other agencies to obtain salary and benefits data for use in negotiations. Gather and analyze data from other public agencies, and private employers, conduct competitive market analysis and assist in the development of new salary structures and make recommendations to be utilized in developing the county's bargaining positions. Develop and maintain detailed financial models to project the cost of labor agreements.

Analyze various compensation proposals (wages, benefits, retirement plans, etc.) to determine their cost impact on the organization. Create multiple scenarios to assess the impact of different negotiation outcomes. Model the impact of union demands and alternative settlement proposals

Prepares complex calculations and reports relating to the labor negotiations process; prepare presentation materials utilized in the labor negotiations process; defend data and findings as needed. Creates, exports, and manipulates queries using the San Bernardino County payroll system (EMACS/PeopleSoft); gathers data, including payroll, employee, financial and recruitment/retention information, and creates reports; compile reports and create tables, graphs, and charts using software such as Microsoft Excel, Power Point, and Access. Research and interpret provisions of external and internal labor agreements, legislation, and court decisions related to collective bargaining.

The County's Labor Relations Team, under the guidance of the Human Resources Director/Labor Chief, is responsible for the development and implementation of the County's labor relations goals, policies and priorities in an effort to maintain productive and positive relations between the County and its employees, and the recognized employee organizations that represent them. The Team, led by County's Labor Relations Chief, provides guidance to County Management regarding labor relations issues, negotiates labor agreements, participates in issue-specific meet and confer sessions, and handles general interactions with the County's recognized bargaining agents. The County of San Bernardino has a diverse workforce of approximately 23,000 employees who are represented by 12 employee organizations comprised of 26 bargaining units.

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT Travel: Throughout the County is required and employees will be required to make provisions for such transportation. Background: Candidates selected for this position must pass a background investigation and medical examination including drug screening. Sponsorship: San Bernardino County is not able to consider candidates who will require visa sponsorship at the time of application or in the future.

Candidates must be able to present their legal right to work in the United States at the time of employment. Minimum Requirements Experience: Option 1 Two (2) years of professional-level labor costing, accounting or fiscal monitoring experience, which included cost, financial and/or budget analysis, cost accounting, fee or rate development, budget forecasting, internal fiscal reviews and audits as well as gathering, analyzing and presenting financial data. Option 2 One (1) year of professional Human Resources experience performing complex analytical functions, in support of labor relations/ negotiations, including labor costing, salary and benefits surveys, total compensation analysis, classification and equity studies, workforce planning and cost, or other relevant areas.

Note: All qualifying experience under Option 2 must be comparable to the Human Resources Analyst I or higher in San Bernardino County and obtained within a public sector (i.e., government) agency with a union represented workforce or a large private sector employer with a large, union represented workforce of at least 500+ regular employees. Education: A bachelor's degree in Business or Public Administration, Behavioral Science, Human Resources Management, Accounting, Finance, Statistics or a closely related field. Qualifying degrees or coursework must be completed at a college or university accredited by any accrediting association recognized by the United States Department of Education

Degrees or coursework completed outside the U.S. must be accompanied with an evaluation report from a reputable credential evaluation service showing equivalency to degrees or coursework completed at a college or university accredited by any accrediting association recognized by the United States Department of Education. (Must be attached if applicable.) Refer to the NACES website for more information on evaluation services

Desired Qualifications The ideal candidate will have three (3) or more years of professional labor costing, accounting, financial analysis or labor relations experience that includes: Conducting salary/compensation surveys, classification, organizational, and equity studies and making recommendations Supporting labor negotiations and reviewing, writing, and/or analyzing labor contracts Researching, analyzing information and data, and presenting findings in a concise format Utilizing Excel and other computer technology for data gathering, analysis and reporting Effectively communicating both in writing and verbally Efficiently handling multiple tasks and shifting work priorities as needed. Selection Process There will be a competitive evaluation of qualifications based on a review of the Application and Supplemental Questionnaire. It is to your advantage to be explicit in your responses on the Application and Supplemental Questionnaire.

To ensure timely and successful submission of your online application, please allow ample time to complete and submit your application before the posted filing deadline. Applicants will be automatically logged-out if they have not submitted the application and all required materials prior to the posted deadline. Once your application has been successfully submitted you will receive an onscreen confirmation and an email.

We recommend that you save and/or print these for your records. Please note, if you do not receive an onscreen confirmation and an email acknowledging our receipt of your application we have not received your application. All communications regarding the remainder of the selection process will be via email.

Please be sure the email provided on this application is always current; it is your responsibility to update your personal information. Update your Spam, Junk, Bulk and Firewall settings as needed to ensure that you receive all information pertaining to this recruitment. Additional Information and Resources: If you need technical assistance, follow this link to review the Government Jobs online application guide or contact their Toll-Free Applicant Support line at (855) 524-5627.

Please note that Human Resources is not responsible for any issues or delays caused by your internet connection, computer, or browser when submitting an application. Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) / Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA): San Bernardino County is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) and Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliant employer, dedicated to ensuring equal employment opportunities for all employees and applicants. ADA Accommodation: If you have a disability and need accommodations during the testing process, please submit the Special Testing Accommodations Request Form (Download PDF) within one week of the recruitment filing deadline.

Veterans' Preference: Eligible veterans and their spouses or widows/widowers who are not current County employees may receive additional Veterans' Preference points. For details and instructions on how to request these points, please refer to the Veterans' Preference Policy. For more important details, review the Applicant Information and County Employment Process.


What San Bernardino County employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom