Public Service Columbia, MD Pop. 104,681

Occupational Health & Safety Specialist Salary in Columbia, Maryland

The median occupational health & safety specialist salary in Columbia, MD is $92,913 per year, which is 18.0% above the national median and 7.3% above the Maryland state average.

City Median
$92,913
vs State Avg
+$6,299
vs National
+$14,173
Cost of Living
118%

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

Columbia offers a median occupational health & safety specialist salary of $92,913, which is $6,299 above the Maryland state average of $86,614. Compared to the national median of $78,740, Columbia pays above average for this role.

However, Columbia's cost of living index is 118%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $92,913 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $78,740. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Columbia should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for occupational health & safety specialists in Columbia spans from $56,640 at the 10th percentile to $143,960 at the 90th percentile — a $87,320 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $59,000, while senior occupational health & safety specialists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $139,240. With a population of 104,681, Columbia is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Occupational Health & Safety Specialist Salary in Columbia by Experience

In Columbia, an entry-level occupational health & safety specialist earns around $59,000, while experienced professionals earn up to $139,240 per year. The local cost of living index is 118% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$59,000
+$9,000 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$94,400
+$14,400 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$139,240
+$21,240 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Columbia, MD

Percentile Columbia
10th Percentile $56,640
25th Percentile $73,160
Median (50th) $92,913
75th Percentile $118,000
90th Percentile $143,960

Occupational Health & Safety Specialist Salary in Other Maryland Cities

How to Become a Occupational Health & Safety Specialist in Columbia

Education

Most occupational health & safety specialist positions require a bachelor's degree. Columbia and the surrounding Maryland 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 Columbia may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Occupational Health & Safety Specialist Jobs in Columbia

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Frequently Asked Questions: Occupational Health & Safety Specialist Salary in Columbia

How much does a Occupational Health & Safety Specialist make in Columbia, MD? ▼
The median occupational health & safety specialist salary in Columbia, Maryland is $92,913 per year, which is 18.0% above the national median of $78,740. Salaries range from $56,640 (10th percentile) to $143,960 (90th percentile).
How much does a Occupational Health & Safety Specialist make per hour in Columbia? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $92,913, a occupational health & safety specialist in Columbia earns approximately $45 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Columbia compare to the Maryland state average for occupational health & safety specialist pay? ▼
Columbia's median occupational health & safety specialist salary of $92,913 is 7.3% above the Maryland state average of $86,614. The local cost of living index is 118% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Columbia, MD? ▼
Columbia has a cost of living index of 118% compared to the national average. This means a occupational health & safety specialist salary of $92,913 in Columbia 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 Columbia? ▼
Most occupational health & safety specialist positions in Columbia 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.