Public Service North Carolina (NC) Rank #29 of 50

Occupational Health & Safety Specialist Salary in North Carolina

The median occupational health & safety specialist salary in North Carolina is $72,441 per year, which is 8% below the national median of $78,740.

Median Salary
$72,441
vs National
$-6,299
State Rank
#29 of 50
Cost of Living
92%

Occupational Health & Safety Specialist Salary Overview in North Carolina (2026)

North Carolina ranks #29 out of 50 states for occupational health & safety specialist compensation. Occupational Health & Safety Specialist salaries in North Carolina are below the national median, though the lower cost of living can offset the difference. At $72,441 per year, occupational health & safety specialists in North Carolina earn $6,299 less than the national median of $78,740.

A key advantage of working in North Carolina is its below-average cost of living (92% of the national index). This means the $72,441 salary has the purchasing power of roughly $78,740 in an average-cost area.

The salary spread in North Carolina is significant: occupational health & safety specialists at the 10th percentile earn $44,160, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $112,240 — a $68,080 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in North Carolina for this role is Charlotte, where the median reaches $77,165.

Nationally, occupational health & safety specialist employment is projected to grow 6% over the next decade (faster than average). This steady growth indicates stable demand for occupational health & safety specialists across the country.

Occupational Health & Safety Specialist Salary in North Carolina by Experience

In North Carolina, an entry-level occupational health & safety specialist earns around $46,000, while experienced professionals earn up to $108,560 per year. The cost of living index in North Carolina is 92% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$46,000
$-4,000 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$73,600
$-6,400 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$108,560
$-9,440 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in North Carolina

Percentile NC Salary
10th Percentile $44,160
25th Percentile $57,040
Median (50th) $72,441
75th Percentile $92,000
90th Percentile $112,240

Occupational Health & Safety Specialist Salary by City in North Carolina

The largest employment areas for occupational health & safety specialists in North Carolina include Charlotte, Raleigh, Durham, and Greensboro. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Occupational Health & Safety Specialist in North Carolina

Education

Most occupational health & safety specialist positions require a bachelor's degree. North Carolina has several accredited institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

OSHA RegulationsHazard AssessmentSafety TrainingIndustrial HygieneReport WritingRisk Management

Job Outlook in North Carolina

Nationally, occupational health & safety specialist employment is projected to grow 6% over the next decade (faster than average). North Carolina's demand may vary based on local industry trends.

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Frequently Asked Questions: Occupational Health & Safety Specialist Salary in North Carolina

How much does a Occupational Health & Safety Specialist make in North Carolina? ▼
The median occupational health & safety specialist salary in North Carolina is $72,441 per year, which is 8% below the national median of $78,740. Salaries range from $44,160 (10th percentile) to $112,240 (90th percentile).
How much does a Occupational Health & Safety Specialist make per hour in North Carolina? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $72,441, a occupational health & safety specialist in North Carolina earns approximately $35 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is North Carolina a good state for occupational health & safety specialists? ▼
North Carolina ranks #29 out of 50 states for occupational health & safety specialist pay. The cost of living index is 92% of the national average. Entry-level occupational health & safety specialists earn $46,000, while senior professionals earn $108,560.
How does North Carolina compare to other states for occupational health & safety specialist salary? ▼
The highest paying state for occupational health & safety specialists is Hawaii at $133,858. North Carolina's median of $72,441 ranks #29 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Georgia ($73,228) and New Mexico ($73,228).
What is the entry-level occupational health & safety specialist salary in North Carolina? ▼
An entry-level occupational health & safety specialist in North Carolina earns approximately $46,000 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $73,600. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $108,560.
What city in North Carolina pays occupational health & safety specialists the most? ▼
Charlotte is the highest paying city in North Carolina for occupational health & safety specialists, with a median salary of $77,165. Other cities include Raleigh and Durham.