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What is an industrial relations manager and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025
3 min read
There is more than meets the eye when it comes to being an industrial relations manager. For example, did you know that they make an average of $37.72 an hour? That's $78,465 a year! Between 2018 and 2028, the career is expected to grow 7% and produce 12,600 job opportunities across the U.S.
ScoreIndustrial Relations ManagerUS Average
Salary
6.1

Avg. Salary $78,465

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability level
8.6

Growth rate 7%

Growth rate 0.3%

Diversity
2.8
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.40%

Asian 5.71%

Black or African American 7.65%

Hispanic or Latino 11.14%

Unknown 5.09%

White 70.01%

Gender

female 29.34%

male 70.66%

Age - 47
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 47
Stress level
8.6

Stress level is very high

7.1 - high

Complexity level
8.4

Complexity level is challenging

7 - challenging

Work life balance
5.3

Work life balance is fair

6.4 - fair

Industrial relations manager career paths

Key steps to become an industrial relations manager

  1. Explore industrial relations manager education requirements

    Most common industrial relations manager degrees

    Bachelor's

    73.2 %

    Master's

    13.6 %

    Associate

    7.1 %
  2. Start to develop specific industrial relations manager skills

    SkillsPercentages
    Industrial Relations14.15%
    Press Releases12.87%
    Labor Relations11.05%
    Safety Program9.97%
    Contract Negotiations7.72%
  3. Research industrial relations manager duties and responsibilities

    • Manage EEO / AAP programs and control substance testing programs.
    • Manage relations with the UAW, including grievance resolution and contract negotiation.
    • Manage alumni programs and data systems including implementing new data tracking system and creating data privacy policy.
    • Draft collective bargaining contract language, discrimination complaint settlement agreements, and labor arbitration legal briefs.
  4. Apply for industrial relations manager jobs

    Now it's time to start searching for an industrial relations manager job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:

    1. Browse job boards for relevant postings
    2. Consult your professional network
    3. Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
    4. Watch out for job scams

How did you land your first industrial relations manager job

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Average industrial relations manager salary

The average industrial relations manager salary in the United States is $78,465 per year or $38 per hour. Industrial relations manager salaries range between $52,000 and $117,000 per year.

Average industrial relations manager salary
$78,465 Yearly
$37.72 hourly

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Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Research Team
Zippia Team

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

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