Occupational health and safety specialists
SOC Code: 19-5011Also known as:
Analysis Safety Inspector, Cause Analyst, Certified Indoor Environmentalist, Certified Industrial Hygienist (CIH), Chemical Hygiene Officer
Median Annual Salary
$83,910
+12.5% growth (2024-2034)
15K
Openings/Year
132K
Current Jobs
What Occupational health and safety specialists Do
Review, evaluate, and analyze work environments and design programs and procedures to control, eliminate, and prevent disease or injury caused by chemical, physical, and biological agents or ergonomic factors. May conduct inspections and enforce adherence to laws and regulations governing the health and safety of individuals. May be employed in the public or private sector.
💰 Salary
$83,910
Median annual wage (2024)
📈 Job Growth
+12.5%
Much faster than average
🎓 Education
Bachelor's degree
Typical entry-level requirement
🚀 Annual Openings
15K
Projected average per year
Employment Projections (2024-2034)
Current Employment (2024)
131,900
Projected Employment (2034)
148,400
Related Careers
Compliance officers
$78,420 •
+3.0% growth
Health and safety engineers, except mining safety engineers and inspectors
$109,660 •
+4.4% growth
Environmental science and protection technicians, including health
$49,490 •
+4.0% growth
Occupational health and safety technicians
$58,440 •
+8.5% growth
Construction and building inspectors
$72,120 •
-0.8% growth
Top Skills Required
Reading Comprehension
Active Listening
Writing
Speaking
Critical Thinking
Daily Tasks & Responsibilities
- Recommend measures to help protect workers from potentially hazardous work methods, processes, or materials.
- Develop or maintain hygiene programs, such as noise surveys, continuous atmosphere monitoring, ventilation surveys, or asbestos management plans.
- Order suspension of activities that pose threats to workers' health or safety.
- Investigate accidents to identify causes or to determine how such accidents might be prevented in the future.
- Inspect or evaluate workplace environments, equipment, or practices to ensure compliance with safety standards and government regulations.
- Collect samples of dust, gases, vapors, or other potentially toxic materials for analysis.
- Collaborate with engineers or physicians to institute control or remedial measures for hazardous or potentially hazardous conditions or equipment.
- Investigate the adequacy of ventilation, exhaust equipment, lighting, or other conditions that could affect employee health, comfort, or performance.
- Conduct safety training or education programs and demonstrate the use of safety equipment.
- Investigate health-related complaints and inspect facilities to ensure that they comply with public health legislation and regulations.
Technology & Tools
📚 Entry-Level Education
Bachelor's degree
Most common requirement
🎯 Recommended Education
Bachelor's Degree
O*NET recommended level
Degree Programs for Occupational health and safety specialists
These degree programs can prepare you for a career as a occupational health and safety specialists:
Occupational Safety and Health Technology/Technician
3,147 degrees awarded •
56 colleges offer this program
Environmental Health
1,269 degrees awarded •
78 colleges offer this program
Occupational Health and Industrial Hygiene
313 degrees awarded •
25 colleges offer this program
Industrial Safety Technology/Technician
258 degrees awarded •
17 colleges offer this program
Patient Safety and Healthcare Quality
121 degrees awarded •
8 colleges offer this program
Environmental Toxicology
78 degrees awarded •
11 colleges offer this program
Best Colleges for Becoming a Occupational health and safety specialists
Ranked by Repit grade, then by degrees in related programs. These are the top-rated colleges that prepare students to become occupational health and safety specialists.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much do occupational health and safety specialists make?
The median annual salary for occupational health and safety specialists is $83,910.
What education do occupational health and safety specialists need?
Most occupational health and safety specialists positions require a bachelor's degree.
Common degree programs include Occupational Safety and Health Technology/Technician, Environmental Health, Occupational Health and Industrial Hygiene.
Is becoming occupational health and safety specialists a good career choice?
Occupational health and safety specialists is projected to see +12.5% job growth from 2024 to 2034,
which is much faster than average for all occupations. With approximately 14,900 job openings expected annually,
there are good opportunities for those entering the field.
What are the best colleges for occupational health and safety specialists?
Top colleges for aspiring occupational health and safety specialists include
University of Michigan-Ann Arbor, University of California-Los Angeles, Johns Hopkins University, Washington University in St Louis, Emory University.
These schools are ranked based on their Repit grade and the number of graduates in related programs.
What other job titles are similar to occupational health and safety specialists?
Occupational health and safety specialists may also be known as: Analysis Safety Inspector, Cause Analyst, Certified Indoor Environmentalist, Certified Industrial Hygienist (CIH), Chemical Hygiene Officer, Construction Safety Manager, Consumer Safety Inspector, Dining Service Inspector, EHS Officer (Environmental Health and Safety Officer), EHS Specialist (Environmental Health and Safety Specialist), Environmental Health Inspector, Environmental Health Sanitarian, Environmental Health Technologist, Environmental Protection Inspector, Environmental Protection Officer, Field Health Officer, Food and Drug Inspector, Food Inspector, Hazardous Waste Management Specialist, Health and Safety Analyst.
These titles often refer to similar roles with varying responsibilities or specializations.