Occupational Health and Safety Specialists
Occupational health and safety specialists and technicians collect data on, analyze, and design improvements to work environments and procedures.
Is occupational health and safety specialists a good career?
It scores 36/100 and ranks #94 of 825 occupations on pay, growth, employment and openings. Here's what the federal data says, with no editorializing.
Advantages
- Pays well above the U.S. median wage ($90,150 vs $61,390)
- Faster-than-average projected growth (+12.5% through 2034)
Possible tradeoffs
- Typically requires a bachelor's degree
What occupational health and safety specialists earn
Wages: BLS OEWS May 2025Pay is a range, not a number. Half of U.S. occupational health and safety specialists earn between $69,560 and $111,690 a year.
Best-paying states
Best-paying metros
Strongest employment concentration
Live occupational health and safety specialists jobs
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- Typical education
- Bachelor's degree
- Work experience
- None
- On-the-job training
- None
- Outlook
- Employment is projected to grow much faster than average through 2034.
Education
Occupational health and safety specialists typically need a bachelor’s degree in occupational health and safety or a related field, such as biology or healthcare and related majors. For some positions, a master’s degree is required. In addition to science, coursework should include topics such as ergonomics, safety management, and industrial hygiene.
Occupational health and safety technicians typically need at least a high school diploma to enter the occupation. High school students interested in this occupation should take classes in chemistry, biology, and physics. Some technicians earn an associate’s degree or certificate from a community college or university. These programs typically take 2 years or less and include courses in hazardous materials, fire prevention, and safety regulations.
Training
Occupational health and safety technicians usually receive some on-the-job training. They may learn about specific laws and regulations, how to perform inspections, and how to conduct tests. The length of training varies with the employee’s level of experience, education, and industry in which he or she works.
Occupational health and safety specialists sometimes receive on-the-job training. However, training is less common for specialists than it is for technicians.
Licenses, certifications & registrations
Employers may prefer or require occupational health and safety specialists and technicians to have professional certification. Obtaining certification typically requires graduating from an accredited educational program, completing work experience, and passing an examination. Maintaining certification usually requires completing a specified number of hours of continuing education.
Important qualities
Communication skills. Occupational health and safety specialists and technicians deliver safety trainings and instruction to employees and managers. They also write reports that effectively convey their findings.
Detail oriented. Occupational health and safety specialists and technicians must be meticulous when checking work environments. They need to ensure that sites follow safety standards and government regulations.
Physical stamina. Occupational health and safety specialists and technicians must be able to stand for long periods and may have to squat or kneel. Some work in uncomfortable environments, such as tunnels or mines.
Problem-solving skills. Occupational health and safety specialists and technicians determine proper design and implementation of workplace processes or procedures to help protect workers from hazardous conditions.
Technology skills. Occupational health and safety specialists and technicians use a variety of digital tools and testing equipment, such as devices that measure air quality.
Related occupations
How much do occupational health and safety specialists make?
The national median wage is $90,150 a year, with the middle half earning between $69,560 and $111,690 (BLS OEWS May 2025).
Is occupational health and safety specialists a good career?
On the Jobs.best index it scores 36 of 100 and ranks #94 of 825 occupations, weighing pay, growth, employment and openings. Employment is projected to change +12.5% through 2034.
What education do you need to become a occupational health and safety specialist?
The typical entry-level education is bachelor's degree.
Where do occupational health and safety specialists earn the most?
Among states, District of Columbia pays the highest median ($111,530). Local pay for every state and metro is below.