Health and Safety Engineers, Except Mining Safety Engineers and Inspectors
O*NET 17-2111.00 · SOC 17-2111
Health and Safety Engineer is a solid career choice. Median pay is $115k a year with +5.4% projected growth through 2035 (about as fast as average) and about 1,200 openings a year. AI exposure: Moderate.
Bureau of Labor Statistics projections 2025–2035 · Data updated 2026-07-27
What You'd Actually Do
- →Inspect workplaces to identify hazards that could injure employees
- →Develop safety programs to reduce workplace accident rates
- →Investigate industrial accidents to determine causes and prevention measures
- →Review product designs to ensure they meet safety standards
- →Train workers on proper use of personal protective equipment
Education & How to Get In
A bachelor's degree is the standard entry point for Health and Safety Engineer roles. Related majors and internship experience during college significantly improve your chances. Many employers also value relevant certifications or project portfolios alongside the degree.
Get Started Learning
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Work Environment
Analytical, research labs, offices, or remote
Independent, focused deep work with periodic team check-ins
A Day in the Life
While every role varies by employer and specialization, a typical day as a Health and Safety Engineer involves a mix of core responsibilities:
Personality Fit (RIASEC)
Who Thrives as Health and Safety Engineer?
Based on the interests and work style this role actually demands, these personality types tend to fit it best. Salary and growth tell you if a career is worth entering; personality fit tells you whether you'll still want it in five years.
Not sure which you are? Take the 7-minute quiz →
See Open Health and Safety Engineer Roles
Browse live openings to get a feel for requirements and pay in your area.
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Job Outlook
Employment of Health and Safety Engineers, Except Mining Safety Engineers and Inspectors is projected to grow 5.4% from 2025 to 2035, about as fast as average for all occupations.
Will AI Replace This Job?
- ·29% physical tasks, limited by robotics progress
Scored from the mix of routine, creative, physical and social tasks the role involves, adjusted for sector and projected growth. An estimate, not a forecast.
Common Questions
How much does a Health and Safety Engineer make?
The median Health and Safety Engineer earns $115k a year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics' May 2025 wage data. Half earn more than that and half earn less, and pay varies considerably by state, industry and experience.
Will AI replace Health and Safety Engineer jobs?
Our model puts Health and Safety Engineer at 41 out of 100 for automation exposure, which is moderate, likely AI-complementary. The main drivers: 29% physical tasks, limited by robotics progress.
Is Health and Safety Engineer a growing field?
Employment is projected to grow 5.4% between 2025 and 2035, which is about as fast as average. That works out to roughly 1,200 openings a year, counting both new positions and people leaving the occupation.
What degree do you need to be a Health and Safety Engineer?
A bachelor's degree is the standard entry point for Health and Safety Engineer roles, and relevant internships matter as much as the subject.
How long does it take to become a Health and Safety Engineer?
Typically about four years, typically a bachelor's degree. O*NET classes this role as Job Zone 4 of 5, which describes how much preparation people in it usually have.
Is a Health and Safety Engineer career right for you?
Your personality, values, and strengths matter as much as the job market. Take the quiz to see your personalized Future-Fit Score for this career and hundreds more.
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