Occupational Health and Safety Specialists
O*NET 19-5011.00 · SOC 19-5011
Occupational Health and Safety Specialist is a strong career choice. Median pay is $90k a year with +18.5% projected growth through 2035 (much faster than average) and about 17,100 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 safety and health hazards.
- →Develop written safety programs and policies for employers.
- →Investigate workplace accidents to determine causes and prevention.
- →Train employees on OSHA regulations and safe work practices.
- →Evaluate chemical exposure risks and recommend protective controls.
Education & How to Get In
A bachelor's degree is the standard entry point for Occupational Health and Safety Specialist 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 an Occupational Health and Safety Specialist involves a mix of core responsibilities:
Personality Fit (RIASEC)
Who Thrives as Occupational Health and Safety Specialist?
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 Occupational Health and Safety Specialist Roles
Browse live openings to get a feel for requirements and pay in your area.
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Job Outlook
Employment of Occupational Health and Safety Specialists is projected to grow 18.5% from 2025 to 2035, much faster than average for all occupations.
Will AI Replace This Job?
- ·Strong projected growth suggests AI-complementary demand
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 an Occupational Health and Safety Specialist make?
The median Occupational Health and Safety Specialist earns $90k 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 Occupational Health and Safety Specialist jobs?
Our model puts Occupational Health and Safety Specialist at 29 out of 100 for automation exposure, which is moderate, likely AI-complementary. The main drivers: strong projected growth suggests AI-complementary demand.
Is Occupational Health and Safety Specialist a growing field?
Employment is projected to grow 18.5% between 2025 and 2035, which is much faster than average. That works out to roughly 17,100 openings a year, counting both new positions and people leaving the occupation.
What degree do you need to be an Occupational Health and Safety Specialist?
A bachelor's degree is the standard entry point for Occupational Health and Safety Specialist roles, and relevant internships matter as much as the subject.
How long does it take to become an Occupational Health and Safety Specialist?
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 an Occupational Health and Safety Specialist 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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