All careersEngineering & science

Occupational Health & Safety Specialist

$83,910
median pay per year
full range coming in the next data update

What the job actually is

Inspect workplaces and design procedures to reduce injuries, illnesses, and safety hazards.

Where you work

Offices, worksites, and factories

The hours

Full time, some travel

By the numbers

May 2024–25 BLS wage data · 2024–34 BLS employment projections.

Median pay
$83,910
per year
What most earn
range coming soon
Openings a year
~14,900
projected, 2024–34
Outlook to 2034
+12%
Much faster than average
Working in the U.S.
131,900
people, nationwide

Openings a year counts new jobs plus the ones that open when people retire or move on — a truer picture of your odds than growth alone.

“Median” means half earn more and half earn less. Your city, employer, and years on the job move it a lot — that is what the 10th-to-90th range shows.

How you get in

Typical starting education

Bachelor's degree

Training path: Bachelor's in safety or science.

License or certification

No license; certifications such as CSP or OHST can help.

What it takes

Hazard analysisRegulationsInspectionCommunication

The honest take

Inspects workplaces and designs procedures to keep workers from getting hurt or sick.

Standard Occupational Classification 19-5011. Pay, employment, and outlook from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OEWS wage survey and 2024–34 employment projections). See something off? Tell us.