What is a union organizer and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025
2 min read
Quoted Expert
Jon Shelton
introduction image

What general advice would you give to a Union Organizer?

J

Jon SheltonJon Shelton LinkedIn Profile

Associate Professor, University of Wisconsin - Green Bay

The job market is likely to be tough in the next few years. The first thing to remember is that if you don't immediately find a job, it is NOT your fault. Your government has failed you by not constructing an economy that ensures you have economic security while your talents are being put to good use. We have to hope a second federal response to the pandemic happens soon, or many employers-in the private, non-profit, and public sectors-will likely be forced to further limit labor expenses due to the pandemic. Even if there is a robust federal response, the job market is not likely to be easy. Many graduates do not have the luxury of focusing on finding jobs that might build valuable skills for the future, even if the pay is not optimal. If you do have that luxury, however, take the time to focus on finding a job or other opportunity that will build on the social science skills you will come away with after you graduate. When you apply and interview, make sure you can explain to any prospective employers how a social science degree separates you from graduates in other fields. You've learned how to think critically, analyze systems, and communicate ideas clearly. Those are skills that translate well to a number of jobs. Make sure you can explain that to any prospective employers!
ScoreUnion OrganizerUS Average
Salary
4.2

Avg. Salary $53,552

Avg. Salary $59,228

Diversity
10.0
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 1.32%

Asian 6.31%

Black or African American 11.25%

Hispanic or Latino 22.56%

Unknown 6.42%

White 52.15%

Gender

female 48.91%

male 51.09%

Age - 42
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 - 42
Complexity Level
1.8

Complexity Level is simple

7 - challenging

Union Organizer career paths

Key steps to become a union organizer

  1. Explore union organizer education requirements

    Most common union organizer degrees

    Bachelor's

    67.3 %

    Associate

    14.3 %

    Master's

    7.1 %
  2. Start to develop specific union organizer skills

    Skills
    ascdesc
    Percentages
    ascdesc
    Social Justice54.18%
    SEIU27.46%
    Collective Bargaining14.07%
    Political Campaigns3.37%
    Political Action0.50%
  3. Research union organizer duties and responsibilities

    • Manage voter contact tactics, organize phone banks, GOTV canvasses and visibility events such as campaign rallies.
    • Organize healthcare workers across Michigan for SEIU and organize Detroit residents for political action events.
    • Mediate disputes between union leadership and management.
    • Develop organizing strategy with leadership and other organizers.
  4. Prepare your union organizer resume

    When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your union organizer resume.

    You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on a union organizer resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.

    Choose From 10+ Customizable Union Organizer Resume templates

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  5. Apply for union organizer jobs

    Now it's time to start searching for a union organizer 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 Union Organizer Job

Zippi

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Average union organizer salary

The average Union Organizer salary in the United States is $53,552 per year or $26 per hour. Union organizer salaries range between $35,000 and $81,000 per year.

Average Union Organizer Salary
$53,552 Yearly
$25.75 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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