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Science

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.

Median salary

$83,910

Typical range

$51k – $130k

Job outlook

+13% (much faster than average)

AI exposure

Plan a path to Occupational Health and Safety Specialists

Qualification costsStack incomeBest cities/statesSchool ROIJob-posting fitTailored resume

Education

Typical entry: Bachelor's degree

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Typical progression

  1. Occupational Health and Safety Specialists Intern

    Internship

    $36,000

    ~4 mos to advance

  2. Junior Occupational Health and Safety Specialists

    Entry / Junior

    $50,610

    ~2 yrs to advance

  3. Occupational Health and Safety Specialists

    Established

    $83,910

    ~3 yrs to advance

  4. Senior Occupational Health and Safety Specialists

    Senior

    $107,185

Internships are a common on-ramp here — they speed up landing that first role and improve your odds, which is why the Safe and High-ceiling plans build one in.

Key skills

A typical day

  • •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.

Fields of study

Any field

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