Occupational Safety and Health Workers
Overview
Introduction
Occupational safety and health workers are responsible for the prevention of work-related accidents and diseases, injuries from unsafe products and practices, property losses from accidents and fires, and adverse effects of industrial processes on the environment. There are approximately 98,000 occupational safety specialists and 19,900 health and safety technicians employed in the United States.
Quick Facts
Median Salary
Employment Prospects
Minimum Education Level
Experience
Skills
Personality Traits
Earnings
Earnings vary based on factors such as the field in which the safety and health worker is involved, his or her experience, and the size of the employer. In 2019, the U.S. Department of Labor reported that the median salary of occupational health and safety specialists was $74,100. The lowest paid 10 percent earned less than $43,630, while the highest paid 10 percent earned more than $111,130. O...
Work Environment
Most occupational safety and health workers are based in offices but spend much of their time at work sites, inspecting safety hazards, talking to workers, or taking samples of such things as air, dust, or water. They may travel a great deal, depending on their job specialty and location. For example, safety engineers who work exclusively at one plant may travel only to an occasional seminar or...
Outlook
According to the U.S. Department of Labor, employment of occupational health and safety technicians is projected to grow 7 percent through 2028, faster than the average for all occupations. Employment of occupational health and safety specialists is projected to grow 6 percent through 2028, as fast as the average for all occupations. Because of wide public support, the economy seldom affects sa...
