Occupational Health and Safety Specialists and Technicians

Written By Keandra Wilson

 1. OVERVIEW

Occupational health and safety specialists and technicians focus on promoting workplace health and safety. They are responsible for collecting data, analyzing risks, and implementing procedures to mitigate workplace hazards. These professionals work in various settings, including offices, factories, construction sites, and hospitals. The demand for occupational health and safety professionals is growing due to the increasing emphasis on worker well-being and safety regulations.

  • 2024 Median Pay: $78,900 per year (Specialists)

  • 2024 Median Pay: $58,440 per year (Technicians)

  • Job Growth (2023–2033): 14% (Much faster than average)

  • Typical Entry-Level Education: Bachelor’s degree for specialists, High school diploma for technicians

  • Work Experience in a Related Occupation: None required, but relevant experience is beneficial

  • On-the-job Training: Available for technicians; some specialists may receive some on-the-job training as well

2. Role Breakdown by Level

Entry-Level Role: Occupational Health and Safety Technician

  • Job Titles: Safety Technician, Occupational Safety Technician

  • Education: High school diploma; associate degree or certificate in safety or related fields preferred

  • Experience: None required, but a background in health, safety, or environmental science can be helpful

  • Certifications: Certification from organizations like the National Association of Safety Professionals (NASP) can be beneficial

  • Core Duties:

    • Assist specialists by collecting data and monitoring safety procedures

    • Ensure the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) by workers

    • Conduct safety audits and provide support in safety inspections

  • Salary Range: $40,550 – $58,440 per year

  • Key Skills:

    • Attention to detail

    • Physical stamina

    • Communication skills

    • Technical skills for using safety equipment and tools

Mid-Level Role: Occupational Health and Safety Specialist

  • Job Titles: Safety Specialist, Environmental Health and Safety Specialist, Occupational Health Specialist

  • Education: Bachelor’s degree in occupational health and safety, environmental science, biology, or a related field

  • Experience: Typically requires 2-5 years of experience in health and safety or a related field

  • Certifications: Certification such as Certified Safety Professional (CSP) or Certified Industrial Hygienist (CIH) may be required

  • Core Duties:

    • Inspect, evaluate, and recommend safety improvements in workplaces

    • Design and implement safety programs and procedures to prevent hazards

    • Analyze data from safety audits and propose solutions to improve work conditions

    • Educate employees about health, safety, and environmental regulations

  • Salary Range: $58,440 – $83,910 per year

  • Key Skills:

    • Problem-solving

    • Strong communication and report-writing skills

    • Knowledge of regulatory safety standards

    • Critical thinking

Senior-Level Role: Occupational Health and Safety Manager

  • Job Titles: Health and Safety Manager, Safety Compliance Manager, Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) Director

  • Education: Bachelor’s degree (preferred); a master’s degree or additional certifications are advantageous

  • Experience: 7-10+ years of experience in occupational health and safety or a related field

  • Certifications: Professional certifications such as CSP, CIH, or Certified Hazardous Materials Manager (CHMM)

  • Core Duties:

    • Develop and oversee the implementation of workplace safety strategies

    • Lead teams of specialists and technicians

    • Manage safety budgets and training programs

    • Ensure compliance with local, state, and federal safety regulations

    • Collaborate with senior management on safety policies and procedures

  • Salary Range: $83,910 – $130,460 per year

  • Key Skills:

    • Leadership and team management

    • Budgeting and financial oversight

    • Expertise in regulatory compliance

    • Strategic planning

3. How to Become an Occupational Health and Safety Specialist or Technician

Education Requirements

  • Entry-Level: A high school diploma is typically required for technicians, although a certificate or associate degree in safety or environmental science is often preferred.

  • Mid-Level: A bachelor’s degree in occupational health and safety, biology, environmental science, or a related field is required for specialists.

  • Senior-Level: A master’s degree or specialized certifications in occupational health and safety may be beneficial for career advancement.

Work Experience in a Related Occupation

  • Technicians: Entry-level positions do not typically require prior work experience, though any experience in construction, healthcare, or environmental science can be helpful.

  • Specialists: Experience in a related field, such as engineering, industrial hygiene, or construction safety, is often preferred.

Licenses, Certifications, and Registrations

  • Specialists: Certification from professional organizations like the Board of Certified Safety Professionals (BCSP) is often required or preferred.

  • Technicians: Certification such as the Certified Safety and Health Technician (CSHT) may be preferred.

  • Training: On-the-job training is common, particularly for technicians, and specialists often have additional training in specialized safety protocols.

Important Qualities

  • Communication Skills: Ability to educate workers and management on safety protocols and write detailed safety reports.

  • Detail-Oriented: Precision in identifying and addressing hazards.

  • Physical Stamina: Often required for fieldwork and inspections.

  • Problem-Solving Skills: Ability to assess situations and propose effective solutions.

  • Technology Skills: Familiarity with safety equipment, hazard assessment tools, and software for reporting and data analysis.

4. Skills & Tools

Core Skills

  • Safety Management: Ability to identify and address hazards and ensure compliance with safety regulations.

  • Risk Assessment: Evaluate potential risks and recommend preventive measures.

  • Regulatory Knowledge: Understanding OSHA and other safety regulations.

  • Incident Investigation: Ability to investigate safety incidents and determine causes.

Tools & Equipment

  • Safety Equipment: Helmets, respirators, and other PPE.

  • Monitoring Devices: Air quality monitors, noise level meters, and other hazard assessment tools.

  • Software: Safety management software for incident reporting and analysis.

5. Work Environment

  • Specialists: Work in a variety of settings such as factories, offices, hospitals, or construction sites. The role often involves both office work and field inspections.

  • Technicians: Primarily work on-site to collect data, conduct inspections, and help implement safety programs. The work environment can be physically demanding.

Work Schedule: Most occupational health and safety specialists and technicians work full-time. Some positions require working more than 40 hours per week, especially in industries with critical safety needs. Technicians may need to be on-call during emergencies.

6. Pay

  • Median Annual Wage (2024):

    • Occupational Health and Safety Specialists: $83,910

    • Occupational Health and Safety Technicians: $58,440

  • Salaries by Industry:

    • Specialists in Hospitals: $95,510

    • Technicians in Manufacturing: $65,000

7. Job Outlook

  • Occupational Health and Safety Specialists: 15% growth (much faster than average)

  • Occupational Health and Safety Technicians: 11% growth

  • Annual Openings: About 21,900 openings projected each year

8. Related Occupations

  • Construction and Building Inspectors: Ensure compliance with building codes and ordinances.

  • Health and Safety Engineers: Design systems and processes for workplace safety.

  • Environmental Health and Safety Technicians: Monitor environmental hazards and ensure compliance with regulations.

9. Resources for Learning & Advancement

  • Books:

    • "The Safety Professionals Handbook" by Dan A. Peterson

    • "Fundamentals of Occupational Safety and Health" by Mark A. Friend and James P. Kohn

  • Online Courses:

    • LinkedIn Learning offers courses in occupational safety and environmental health.

    • Coursera and edX offer courses in industrial hygiene and safety regulations.

  • Certifications:

    • Certified Safety Professional (CSP)

    • Certified Industrial Hygienist (CIH)

    • Certified Safety and Health Technician (CSHT)

  • Communities:

    • Reddit: r/safetyprofessionals

    • YouTube: Channels offering safety training and tips.

 

Keandra Wilson
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