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Occupational Health and Safety Specialists

Job Zone 4 - Considerable preparation needed

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.

Pay & job outlook

Median pay: $90,150/yr (U.S. national, May 2025)

$55,000$134,950

Typical range nationwide (10th–90th percentile). This is a population snapshot, not a personal prediction - actual pay varies by location, employer, and experience.

Job outlook: +12.5% projected growth, 20242034 — much faster than average.

About 14,900 openings per year, on average, over the decade.

Typical entry-level education: Bachelor's degree.

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS and Employment Projections.

Top skills
SpeakingWritingActive ListeningReading ComprehensionComplex Problem SolvingCritical ThinkingJudgment and Decision MakingSocial PerceptivenessSystems AnalysisSystems Evaluation
Top knowledge areas
English LanguageChemistryEducation and TrainingMathematicsCustomer and Personal ServiceEngineering and TechnologyBiologyLaw and Government
Core tasks

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.

Frequently asked questions

What's the median pay for Occupational Health and Safety Specialists?

The median pay for Occupational Health and Safety Specialists is $90,150 per year, per the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

What's the job outlook for Occupational Health and Safety Specialists?

Employment for Occupational Health and Safety Specialists is projected to change +12.5% from 2024 to 2034 - much faster than average.

What education is typically required for Occupational Health and Safety Specialists?

Typical entry-level education: Bachelor's degree.

How many job openings are there each year for Occupational Health and Safety Specialists?

About 14,900 openings per year, on average, over the decade.