Labor and Industrial Relations: Program Overview, Universities, Careers & Salaries
Program Overview
Designed for professionals seeking to navigate the complexities of modern workplace dynamics, this program equips students with advanced knowledge of the systems governing employee-employer relationships. It emphasizes the strategic management of labor relations, dispute resolution, and the development of equitable workplace policies, preparing individuals for leadership roles in human resources, union coordination, and organizational compliance.
- Labor history and movement evolution: Explores the historical development of labor unions, key milestones in worker advocacy, and the societal forces that shaped collective bargaining and labor rights.
- Union organization and collective action: Analyzes the processes and strategies involved in forming, maintaining, and representing labor unions within diverse industrial and regulatory environments.
- Labor-management negotiation: Focuses on the principles and practices of bargaining, including preparation, strategy formulation, and effective communication during contract discussions.
- Labor law and contract interpretation: Provides in-depth study of federal and state labor statutes, legal precedents, and the application of contractual language in real-world workplace scenarios.
- Labor economics and workforce trends: Investigates the economic factors influencing employment, wages, productivity, and the broader impact of labor markets on organizational performance.
- Welfare and benefit administration: Covers the design, implementation, and management of employee benefit systems, including health insurance, retirement plans, and paid leave policies.
- Grievance procedures and conflict resolution: Teaches structured methods for identifying, addressing, and resolving workplace disputes through formal and informal mechanisms.
- Labor policy analysis: Encourages critical evaluation of public and private policies affecting labor relations, including regulatory frameworks, social equity considerations, and policy reform initiatives.
Labor and Industrial Relations Graduate Trends (2010-2024)
Labor and Industrial Relations Career Pathways & Salary Outlook
The following table presents salary data for occupations typically aligned with Labor and Industrial Relations degrees, including Compensation and Benefits Managers, Human Resources Managers and Law Teachers, Postsecondary. These career paths represent common employment outcomes but are not guaranteed for all graduates. Salary ranges vary by location, employer, experience level, and specific role requirements. Nationally, these occupations employ approximately 802,530 professionals.
National Average Salaries
| Occupation | Median Salary | Salary Range | Total Employment | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Compensation and Benefits Managers 11-3111 | $140,360 | $81,660 - $239,200 | 20,070 | $67.48 |
| Human Resources Managers 11-3121 | $140,030 | $83,790 - $239,200 | 215,520 | $67.32 |
| Law Teachers, Postsecondary 25-1112 | $126,650 | $58,330 - $239,200 | 22,800 | N/A |
| Business Teachers, Postsecondary 25-1011 | $97,270 | $46,460 - $210,530 | 81,780 | N/A |
| Labor Relations Specialists 13-1075 | $93,500 | $49,880 - $153,440 | 64,590 | $44.95 |
| Compliance Officers 13-1041 | $78,420 | $46,230 - $130,030 | 397,770 | $37.70 |
Labor and Industrial Relations Salary Map by State
Geographic location significantly impacts earning potential for these careers. Average salaries range from $78,603 in Mississippi to $137,288 in District of Columbia—a 75% difference. The highest-paying states include District of Columbia, Massachusetts, and New Jersey. Nationwide, these occupations employ over 802,530 professionals across all states. Explore the interactive map below to compare regional compensation and identify optimal markets for your career goals.
Average Salary Range:
Top Universities for Labor and Industrial Relations by Graduate Enrollment
Below are the top 26 institutions offering Labor and Industrial Relations programs for the 2023-2024 academic year (the most recent data reported as of 2025), ranked by the number of graduates. The highest graduate enrollment in Labor and Industrial Relations is found at Cornell University (349 graduates), Empire State University (187 graduates), University of Iowa (166 graduates), Pennsylvania State University, World Campus (145 graduates), and University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (UIUC) (132 graduates). Combined, these colleges produced 1,540 graduates across all degree levels. Program availability varies by award level, including Associate, Bachelor's, Master's, and Doctoral degrees at participating universities and schools.
| College Name | Award Levels | Graduates | Location | Control | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cornell University |
Bachelor's
Master's
Doctorate (Research)
|
349 | Ithaca, New York | Private | cornell.edu |
| Empire State University |
Associate's
Bachelor's
|
187 | Saratoga Springs, New York | Public | sunyempire.edu |
| University of Iowa |
Bachelor's
|
166 | Iowa City, Iowa | Public | uiowa.edu |
| Pennsylvania State University |
Associate's
Bachelor's
Master's
Other Award
|
145 | University Park, Pennsylvania | Public | worldcampus.psu.edu |
| University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (UIUC) |
Postbac Cert.
Master's
Doctorate (Research)
|
132 | Champaign, Illinois | Public | illinois.edu |
| Rutgers University |
Bachelor's
Master's
Doctorate (Research)
|
125 | New Brunswick, New Jersey | Public | newbrunswick.rutgers.edu |
| Pennsylvania State University |
Bachelor's
Master's
Other Award
|
97 | University Park, Pennsylvania | Public | psu.edu |
| University of Minnesota (UMN) |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
78 | Minneapolis, Minnesota | Public | twin-cities.umn.edu |
| Michigan State University (MSU) |
Master's
|
60 | East Lansing, Michigan | Public | msu.edu |
| Cleveland State University (CSU) |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
50 | Cleveland, Ohio | Public | csuohio.edu |
| Seton Hall University (SHU) |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
48 | South Orange, New Jersey | Private | shu.edu |
| Wayne State University (WSU) |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
12 | Detroit, Michigan | Public | wayne.edu |
| University of Puerto Rico (UPR) |
Bachelor's
|
11 | San Juan, Puerto Rico | Public | uprrp.edu |
| Rider University |
Bachelor's
|
10 | Lawrenceville, New Jersey | Private | rider.edu |
| CUNY Graduate School and University Center |
Postbac Cert.
Other Award
|
10 | New York, New York | Public | gc.cuny.edu |
| Hawaii Pacific University (HPU) |
Master's
|
9 | Honolulu, Hawaii | Private | hpu.edu |
| SUNY Old Westbury |
Bachelor's
|
9 | Old Westbury, New York | Public | oldwestbury.edu |
| Marshall University |
Master's
|
9 | Huntington, West Virginia | Public | marshall.edu |
| University of Maryland (UMBC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
8 | Baltimore, Maryland | Public | umbc.edu |
| Pennsylvania Western University (PennWest) |
Bachelor's
|
6 | California, Pennsylvania | Public | pennwest.edu |
| University of Rhode Island (URI) |
Master's
|
5 | Kingston, Rhode Island | Public | web.uri.edu |
| Los Angeles Trade Technical College (LATTC) |
Other Award
|
4 | Los Angeles, California | Public | lattc.edu |
| Inter American University of Puerto Rico (UIPR) |
Master's
|
4 | San Juan, Puerto Rico | Private | metro.inter.edu |
| Citrus College |
Other Award
|
3 | Glendora, California | Public | citruscollege.edu |
| University of Massachusetts |
Bachelor's
|
2 | Boston, Massachusetts | Public | umb.edu |
| Laney College |
Other Award
|
1 | Oakland, California | Public | laney.edu |
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about Labor and Industrial Relations programs
How much can I earn with a Labor and Industrial Relations degree?
Salaries for Labor and Industrial Relations graduates vary by role and location. Compensation and Benefits Managers earn a median of $140,360 annually, while Human Resources Managers earn around $140,030. Geographic location significantly impacts earnings—professionals in District of Columbia average $137,288 compared to $78,603 in Mississippi. Approximately 802,530 professionals work in related occupations nationwide.
Salary data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS program, May 2024. Earnings vary by experience, employer, and market conditions.
Which universities have the largest Labor and Industrial Relations programs?
Currently 26 accredited institutions offer Labor and Industrial Relations degrees across the U.S. Programs with the highest enrollment include Cornell University (349 graduates), Empire State University (187 graduates), and University of Iowa (166 graduates).
Program size doesn't necessarily indicate quality—consider factors like faculty expertise, production opportunities, location, and available degree levels when choosing a school.
Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2023-2024 academic year. Numbers reflect programs where students graduated.
Is enrollment in Labor and Industrial Relations growing or declining?
Graduate numbers have decreased over the past decade, rising from 1,863 in 2010 to a peak of 1,900 in 2020, before declining slightly to 1,540 in 2023-24. This represents a 17% decrease overall from 2010.
The field remains specialized with consistent demand, though opportunities are most concentrated in major metropolitan areas with active arts scenes like New York, California, and Illinois.
Graduate enrollment data from IPEDS, 2010-2024 academic years. Trends reflect reported completions at participating institutions.
What career paths are available with a Labor and Industrial Relations degree?
This degree prepares you for roles such as Compensation and Benefits Managers, Human Resources Managers, and Law Teachers, Postsecondary. Related occupations employ approximately 802,530 professionals nationwide.
Skills in project management, creative leadership, and collaboration also transfer to event planning, arts administration, marketing, and corporate training roles. Many professionals work freelance or on a project basis across theatre, film, and live events.
Career pathways mapped using CIP-SOC crosswalk from the National Center for Education Statistics. Employment data from BLS OEWS May 2024.
Related Business Programs
Explore similar degree programs within the Business field. These programs share the same academic discipline and may offer complementary skills and career pathways.
Merchandising and Buying
A program that prepares individuals to function as professional buyers of resale products and product lines for stores, chains, and other retail enterprises....
Retailing and Retail Operations
A program that prepares individuals to perform operations associated with retail sales in a variety of settings. Includes instruction in over-the-counter and other...
Sales Skills and Operations
A program that prepares individuals to possess the skills associated with direct promotion of products and services to potential customers and to function...
General Merchandising and Marketing Operations
Any instructional program in merchandising, sales, and related marketing operations not listed above.
Auctioneering
A program that prepares individuals for professional careers as auctioneers and auction managers, and for meeting applicable state licensing requirements. Includes instruction in...
Fashion Merchandising
A program that prepares individuals to promote product lines/brands, and organize promotional campaigns, at the wholesale level to attract retailer interest, wholesale purchasing,...