The United States secretary of labor is a member of the Cabinet of the United States, and as the head of the United States Department of Labor, controls the department, and enforces and suggests laws involving unions, the workplace, and all other issues involving any form of business-person controversies.
Formerly, there was a Department of Commerce and Labor. That department split into two in 1913. The Department of Commerce is headed by the secretary of commerce.
Secretary of labor is a Level I position in the Executive Schedule, thus earning a salary of $253,100 as of January 2026.
Since October 2, 2026 the secretary is Keith Sonderling, who was confirmed by the Senate on September 30, 2026 having previously served as acting secretary from April 20, 2026 to October 9, 2026.
Contents
List of secretaries of labor
Parties
Democratic (13)
Republican (17)
Status
Acting secretary of labor
Line of succession
The line of succession for the Secretary of Labor is as follows:
Deputy Secretary of Labor
Solicitor of Labor
Assistant Secretary for Administration and Management
Assistant Secretary for Policy
Assistant Secretary for Congressional and Intergovernmental Affairs
Assistant Secretary for Employment and Training
Assistant Secretary for Employee Benefits Security
Assistant Secretary for Occupational Safety and Health
Assistant Secretary for Mine Safety and Health
Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs
Chief Financial Officer
Administrator, Wage and Hour Division
Assistant Secretary for Veterans' Employment and Training
Assistant Secretary for Disability Employment Policy
Deputy Solicitor of Labor (First Assistant of the Solicitor of Labor)
Deputy Assistant Secretary for Policy (First Assistant of the Assistant Secretary for Policy)
Deputy Assistant Secretary for Congressional Affairs (First Assistant of the Assistant Secretary for Congressional and Intergovernmental Affairs)
Secretary succession
If none of the above officials are available to serve as Acting Secretary of Labor, the Designated Secretarial Designee assumes interim operational control over the Department, except the Secretary's non-delegable responsibilities.
Director, Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs
Director of the Women's Bureau
Regional Administrator, Employment and Training Administration—Dallas
Regional Administration, Occupational Safety and Health Administration—Dallas