Occupational health and safety technicians
SOC Code: 19-5012Also known as:
Advisory Industrial Hygienist, Certified Industrial Hygienist (CIH), Construction Health and Safety Technician (CHST), Construction Safety Consultant, Consumer Safety Technician (Consumer Safety Tech)
Median Annual Salary
$58,440
+8.5% growth (2024-2034)
3K
Openings/Year
32K
Current Jobs
What Occupational health and safety technicians Do
Collect data on work environments for analysis by occupational health and safety specialists. Implement and conduct evaluation of programs designed to limit chemical, physical, biological, and ergonomic risks to workers.
💰 Salary
$58,440
Median annual wage (2024)
📈 Job Growth
+8.5%
Much faster than average
🎓 Education
High school diploma or equivalent
Typical entry-level requirement
🚀 Annual Openings
3K
Projected average per year
📚 On-the-Job Training
Moderate-term on-the-job training
Expected training period
Employment Projections (2024-2034)
Current Employment (2024)
31,900
Projected Employment (2034)
34,600
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 scientists and specialists, including health
$80,060 •
+4.4% growth
Environmental science and protection technicians, including health
$49,490 •
+4.0% growth
Occupational health and safety specialists
$83,910 •
+12.5% growth
Top Skills Required
Active Listening
Reading Comprehension
Speaking
Critical Thinking
Writing
Daily Tasks & Responsibilities
- Evaluate situations or make determinations when a worker has refused to work on the grounds that danger or potential harm exists.
- Supply, operate, or maintain personal protective equipment.
- Train workers in safety procedures related to green jobs, such as the use of fall protection devices or maintenance of proper ventilation during wind turbine construction.
- Test workplaces for environmental hazards, such as exposure to radiation, chemical or biological hazards, or excessive noise.
- Maintain all required environmental records and documentation.
- Provide consultation to organizations or agencies on the workplace application of safety principles, practices, or techniques.
- Inspect fire suppression systems or portable fire systems to ensure proper working order.
- Verify availability or monitor use of safety equipment, such as hearing protection or respirators.
- Recommend corrective measures to be applied based on results of environmental contaminant analyses.
- Prepare or review specifications or orders for the purchase of safety equipment, ensuring that proper features are present and that items conform to health and safety standards.
Technology & Tools
📚 Entry-Level Education
High school diploma or equivalent
Most common requirement
🎯 Recommended Education
Bachelor's Degree
O*NET recommended level
Degree Programs for Occupational health and safety technicians
These degree programs can prepare you for a career as a occupational health and safety technicians:
Environmental Health
1,269 degrees awarded •
78 colleges offer this program
Occupational Health and Industrial Hygiene
313 degrees awarded •
25 colleges offer this program
Patient Safety and Healthcare Quality
121 degrees awarded •
8 colleges offer this program
Radiation Protection/Health Physics Technician
87 degrees awarded •
4 colleges offer this program
Environmental Toxicology
78 degrees awarded •
11 colleges offer this program
Best Colleges for Becoming a Occupational health and safety technicians
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 technicians.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much do occupational health and safety technicians make?
The median annual salary for occupational health and safety technicians is $58,440.
What education do occupational health and safety technicians need?
Most occupational health and safety technicians positions require a high school diploma or equivalent.
Common degree programs include Environmental Health, Occupational Health and Industrial Hygiene, Patient Safety and Healthcare Quality.
Is becoming occupational health and safety technicians a good career choice?
Occupational health and safety technicians is projected to see +8.5% job growth from 2024 to 2034,
which is faster than average for all occupations. With approximately 3,400 job openings expected annually,
there are good opportunities for those entering the field.
What are the best colleges for occupational health and safety technicians?
Top colleges for aspiring occupational health and safety technicians include
University of California-Los Angeles, University of Michigan-Ann Arbor, 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 technicians?
Occupational health and safety technicians may also be known as: Advisory Industrial Hygienist, Certified Industrial Hygienist (CIH), Construction Health and Safety Technician (CHST), Construction Safety Consultant, Consumer Safety Technician (Consumer Safety Tech), EHS Advisor (Environmental, Health, and Safety Advisor), EHS Coordinator (Environmental Health and Safety Coordinator), Environmental Health Technologist, Ergonomics Technician (Ergonomics Tech), Field Safety Coordinator, Food Safety Coordinator, Health and Safety Coordinator, Health and Safety Technician (Health and Safety Tech), Industrial Hygiene Consultant, Industrial Hygienist, Life Safety Technician (Life Safety Tech), Occupational Health and Safety Technician (Occupational Health and Safety Tech), Occupational Health and Safety Technologist (OHST), Patient Safety Coordinator, Radiation Monitor.
These titles often refer to similar roles with varying responsibilities or specializations.