Occupational Health and Safety Specialists
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.
Common Job Titles
- Industrial Hygiene Consultant
- Industrial Hygienist
- Safety Consultant
- Safety Specialist
What You'll Need to Succeed
AI-generatedKey competencies for this occupation at a glance
- KnowledgeDesign comprehensive safety programs and hazard control procedures integrating engineering controls, administrative policies, and ergonomic principles.Advanced
- KnowledgeEvaluate workplace hazards and environmental conditions for compliance with health and safety regulations conducting on-site inspections in diverse industrial and commercial settings.Proficient
- KnowledgeAnalyze air quality data, chemical exposure levels, and biological hazards using sampling equipment and analytical instruments to identify risk factors.Proficient
- KnowledgeAssess workplace injury data and incident reports to identify trends and root causes collaborating with management and interdisciplinary teams to implement corrective actions.Proficient
- MindsetAdvocate for worker safety and health standards when negotiating with organizational leadership and enforcing regulatory compliance.Proficient
- KnowledgeInterpret federal, state, and local occupational health and safety laws and regulations providing consultation and advice to employers and employees across public and private sectors.Proficient
- KnowledgeJustify recommendations for hazard abatement and safety improvements preparing detailed written reports and presenting findings to regulatory agencies and executive leadership.Proficient
- MindsetIntegrate emerging research in toxicology, ergonomics, and industrial hygiene into continuous professional development maintaining current knowledge of evolving standards and best practices.Proficient
- MindsetEngage diverse stakeholders in safety training and awareness initiatives delivering instructional programs tailored to organizational needs and employee skill levels.Developing
- Hands-onOperate environmental monitoring instruments including air sampling pumps, gas chromatographs, and radiation detectors following standardized protocols to collect accurate field data.Developing
Wage Data According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics
Annual wage data for Occupational Health and Safety Specialists (2024)
Estimated Total Employment (U.S.)
128,430
Wage Distribution by Percentile
Line chart of annual wages by percentile. U.S. is the solid line. 10th percentile: U.S. $50,610. 25th percentile: U.S. $64,410. 50th percentile: U.S. $83,910. 75th percentile: U.S. $105,390. 90th percentile: U.S. $130,460. Use the left and right arrow keys to move between percentiles.
- U.S.
| Metric | U.S. |
|---|---|
| 10% of workers earn the following or less | $50,610 |
| 10% of workers earn the following or more | $130,460 |
| Workers on average earn | $88,660 |
+ indicates wage is at or above the BLS reporting cap ($239,200/year)
Skills & Requirements
Key competencies for this occupation, ranked by importance
- English Language4.0/5
- Chemistry3.9/5
- Education and Training3.8/5
- Mathematics3.8/5
- Customer and Personal Service3.7/5
Tools & Technology
Equipment and software commonly used in this occupation
In-Demand Technology
Frequently requested by employers in job postings
- Microsoft Access
- Microsoft Active Server Pages ASP
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Office software
- Microsoft Outlook
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Microsoft Project
- Microsoft SharePoint
- Microsoft Windows
- Microsoft Word
- SAP software
Technology Skills
- Curtis Management Resources Training Management System
- Database software
- ESS Compliance Suite
- EcoLogic ADAM Indoor Air Quality and Analytical Data Management
- ImageWave MSDSFinder
- Mannus Compliance: EHS
- Medgate Enterprise EHS
- Primatech AUDITWorks
Tools & Equipment
- Aerosol monitoring instruments
- Air flow monitors
- Air sampling impingers
- Air sampling pumps
- Anemometers
- Audiometers
- Barometers
- Benzene detector tubes