Public Service

Occupational Health & Safety Specialist Salary

OHS specialists analyze work environments and procedures to ensure compliance with safety regulations and prevent workplace injuries.

Median Salary
$78,740
Mean Salary
$82,200
Total Employed
128,600
Job Growth
+6%

Occupational Health & Safety Specialist Salary by Experience Level

Entry-level occupational health & safety specialists earn around $50,000 per year, while mid-career professionals earn $80,000. Senior-level occupational health & safety specialists can earn $118,000 or more.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$50,000
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$80,000
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$118,000

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Salary Percentile Breakdown

The salary range for occupational health & safety specialists varies significantly. The bottom 10% earn $48,000, while the top 10% earn $122,000.

Percentile Annual Salary
10th Percentile $48,000
25th Percentile $62,000
50th Percentile (Median) $78,740
75th Percentile $100,000
90th Percentile $122,000

Occupational Health & Safety Specialist Salary by State

Occupational Health & Safety Specialist salaries vary significantly by state due to cost of living, demand, and industry concentration. The highest paying state is Hawaii at $133,858, while Mississippi offers the lowest at $65,354.

State Median
#1 Hawaii $133,858 Details →
#2 California $108,661 Details →
#3 Massachusetts $106,299 Details →
#4 Alaska $97,638 Details →
#5 New York $96,063 Details →
#6 New Jersey $90,551 Details →
#7 Washington $90,551 Details →
#8 Connecticut $88,189 Details →
#9 Maryland $86,614 Details →
#10 Oregon $86,614 Details →
#11 Colorado $82,677 Details →
#12 New Hampshire $82,677 Details →
#13 Rhode Island $82,677 Details →
#14 Virginia $81,890 Details →
#15 Delaware $79,527 Details →
#16 Vermont $79,527 Details →
#17 Florida $77,165 Details →
#18 Maine $77,165 Details →
#19 Arizona $76,378 Details →
#20 Minnesota $76,378 Details →
#21 Nevada $76,378 Details →
#22 Utah $76,378 Details →
#23 Pennsylvania $75,590 Details →
#24 Illinois $74,803 Details →
#25 Montana $74,803 Details →
#26 Idaho $74,016 Details →
#27 Georgia $73,228 Details →
#28 New Mexico $73,228 Details →
#29 North Carolina $72,441 Details →
#30 Texas $72,441 Details →
#31 Wisconsin $72,441 Details →
#32 Wyoming $72,441 Details →
#33 Louisiana $71,653 Details →
#34 Indiana $70,866 Details →
#35 Michigan $70,866 Details →
#36 Nebraska $70,866 Details →
#37 North Dakota $70,866 Details →
#38 Ohio $70,866 Details →
#39 Iowa $70,079 Details →
#40 South Carolina $70,079 Details →
#41 Tennessee $70,079 Details →
#42 Missouri $69,291 Details →
#43 South Dakota $69,291 Details →
#44 Alabama $68,504 Details →
#45 Kansas $68,504 Details →
#46 Kentucky $68,504 Details →
#47 Oklahoma $67,716 Details →
#48 Arkansas $66,142 Details →
#49 West Virginia $66,142 Details →
#50 Mississippi $65,354 Details →

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Key Responsibilities

  • ● Inspect workplaces for safety hazards
  • ● Develop safety programs and policies
  • ● Investigate workplace accidents
  • ● Train employees on safety procedures
  • ● Ensure OSHA compliance

Top Skills

OSHA Regulations Hazard Assessment Safety Training Industrial Hygiene Report Writing Risk Management

Education Required

Bachelor's degree

Job Outlook

Faster than average — projected 6% growth over the next decade

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Frequently Asked Questions About Occupational Health & Safety Specialist Salaries

How much does a Occupational Health & Safety Specialist make per year? ▼
The median occupational health & safety specialist salary in the United States is $78,740 per year. Entry-level positions start around $50,000, while senior-level professionals earn up to $118,000 annually. The mean (average) salary is $82,200.
How much does a Occupational Health & Safety Specialist make per hour? ▼
Based on the national median salary of $78,740 per year, a occupational health & safety specialist earns approximately $38 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year. Hourly rates vary by experience, location, and employer.
What is the highest paying state for occupational health & safety specialists? ▼
Hawaii is the highest paying state for occupational health & safety specialists, with a median salary of $133,858. Other top-paying states include California ($108,661) and Massachusetts ($106,299).
What education do you need to become a occupational health & safety specialist? ▼
Most occupational health & safety specialist positions require a bachelor's degree. Key skills include OSHA Regulations, Hazard Assessment, Safety Training, Industrial Hygiene. Relevant certifications and hands-on experience can also strengthen your qualifications.
What is the job outlook for occupational health & safety specialists? ▼
Employment for occupational health & safety specialists is projected to grow 6% over the next decade, which is faster than average. There are currently 128,600 occupational health & safety specialists employed in the United States.
How much does an entry-level occupational health & safety specialist make? ▼
An entry-level occupational health & safety specialist with 0-2 years of experience earns around $50,000 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to approximately $80,000. The bottom 10% of earners make $48,000, while the top 10% earn $122,000.