Public Service San Jose, CA Pop. 1,013,240

Occupational Health & Safety Specialist Salary in San Jose, California

The median occupational health & safety specialist salary in San Jose, CA is $132,283 per year, which is 68.0% above the national median and 21.7% above the California state average.

City Median
$132,283
vs State Avg
+$23,622
vs National
+$53,543
Cost of Living
168%

Occupational Health & Safety Specialist Pay in San Jose: What to Expect (2026)

San Jose offers a median occupational health & safety specialist salary of $132,283, which is $23,622 above the California state average of $108,661. Compared to the national median of $78,740, San Jose pays above average for this role.

However, San Jose's cost of living index is 168%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $132,283 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $78,740. Housing, transportation, and food costs in San Jose should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for occupational health & safety specialists in San Jose spans from $80,640 at the 10th percentile to $204,960 at the 90th percentile — a $124,320 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $84,000, while senior occupational health & safety specialists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $198,240. As a major metro area with a population of 1,013,240, San Jose typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Occupational Health & Safety Specialist Salary in San Jose by Experience

In San Jose, an entry-level occupational health & safety specialist earns around $84,000, while experienced professionals earn up to $198,240 per year. The local cost of living index is 168% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$84,000
+$34,000 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$134,400
+$54,400 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$198,240
+$80,240 vs national

Salary Percentiles in San Jose, CA

Percentile San Jose
10th Percentile $80,640
25th Percentile $104,160
Median (50th) $132,283
75th Percentile $168,000
90th Percentile $204,960

Occupational Health & Safety Specialist Salary in Other California Cities

How to Become a Occupational Health & Safety Specialist in San Jose

Education

Most occupational health & safety specialist positions require a bachelor's degree. San Jose and the surrounding California area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

OSHA RegulationsHazard AssessmentSafety TrainingIndustrial HygieneReport WritingRisk Management

Job Outlook

Nationally, occupational health & safety specialist employment is projected to grow 6% over the next decade (faster than average). Demand in San Jose may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Occupational Health & Safety Specialist Jobs in San Jose

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Frequently Asked Questions: Occupational Health & Safety Specialist Salary in San Jose

How much does a Occupational Health & Safety Specialist make in San Jose, CA? ▼
The median occupational health & safety specialist salary in San Jose, California is $132,283 per year, which is 68.0% above the national median of $78,740. Salaries range from $80,640 (10th percentile) to $204,960 (90th percentile).
How much does a Occupational Health & Safety Specialist make per hour in San Jose? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $132,283, a occupational health & safety specialist in San Jose earns approximately $64 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does San Jose compare to the California state average for occupational health & safety specialist pay? ▼
San Jose's median occupational health & safety specialist salary of $132,283 is 21.7% above the California state average of $108,661. The local cost of living index is 168% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in San Jose, CA? ▼
San Jose has a cost of living index of 168% compared to the national average. This means a occupational health & safety specialist salary of $132,283 in San Jose has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a occupational health & safety specialist in San Jose? ▼
Most occupational health & safety specialist positions in San Jose require a bachelor's degree. Key skills include OSHA Regulations, Hazard Assessment, Safety Training, Industrial Hygiene. The job market is projected to grow 6% nationally over the next decade.