How to become a Workplace Relations Adviser

Also called: Employment Relations Adviser, Industrial Relations Adviser

Assists employers in setting terms and conditions of employment. Resolves disputes by undertaking negotiations with staff on matters such as rates of pay and conditions of employment.

Main tasks

• Undertakes negotiations on terms and conditions of employment in the workplace
• Examines and resolves disputes and grievances on behalf of the employer
• Studies and interprets legislation, awards, collective agreements and employment contracts, wage payment systems, and dispute settlement procedures
• Provides industrial relations advice
• Manages employee relations
• Promotes a positive work environment
• Mitigates risks associated with industrial disputes
• Manages employment discipline and performance management processes

Ways in

• University: Business & Commerce degrees, Offered by 39 universities in Australia
• TAFE and VET: Advanced Diploma of Human Resource Management (BSB60320); Certificate IV in Human Resource Management (BSB40420); Diploma of Human Resource Management (BSB50320)

Pay · Outlook · AI and this job

• Typical full-time pay: $102,440 a year
• About 89,700 people work in this job group now, and about 102,900 are projected by 2035. (+14.8%)
• Many tasks in this job could be automated by AI. Jobs and Skills Australia rates its automation exposure as high.

Related jobs

• Human Resources Adviser
• Recruitment Consultant
• Rehabilitation Consultant
• Work Health and Safety Adviser
• Training and Development Professional

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Questions people ask

How do I become a Workplace Relations Adviser?

Ways in include: Business & Commerce degrees; Advanced Diploma of Human Resource Management; Certificate IV in Human Resource Management.

How much does a Workplace Relations Adviser earn in Australia?

Median full-time pay is $102,440 a year (Jobs and Skills Australia).

Is a Workplace Relations Adviser a growing career in Australia?

Yes. Employment is projected to grow 15% by 2035, from about 89,700 to about 102,900 people (Jobs and Skills Australia).

Do you need a degree to become a Workplace Relations Adviser?

Not always. 58% of people in this job hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Ways in include: Business & Commerce degrees; Advanced Diploma of Human Resource Management; Certificate IV in Human Resource Management.

Will AI change the work of a Workplace Relations Adviser?

Many tasks in this job could be automated by AI. Jobs and Skills Australia rates its automation exposure as high.

Sources

• Jobs and Skills Australia: Occupation data (ANZSCO), from ABS Labour Force and Census (February 2026), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-04
• Jobs and Skills Australia: Generative AI Capacity Study, interactive table data (September 2025), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-04
• Jobs and Skills Australia: Employment Projections (Victoria University) (May 2025 to May 2035), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-04
• Australian Taxation Office: Taxation Statistics, Individuals Table 15A (2023-24), CC BY 2.5 AU, retrieved 2026-10-04

Updated 2026-10-04