Occupational Health and Safety Technicians
O*NET 19-5012.00 · SOC 19-5012
Occupational Health and Safety Technician is a strong career choice. Median pay is $62k a year with +19.4% projected growth through 2035 (much faster than average) and about 3,800 openings a year. AI exposure: Moderate.
Bureau of Labor Statistics projections 2025–2035 · Data updated 2026-07-27
What You'd Actually Do
- →Collect workplace air or noise samples for hazard analysis.
- →Record inspection findings and safety violations in written reports.
- →Assist specialists in conducting workplace safety audits.
- →Demonstrate proper use of personal protective equipment to workers.
- →Maintain and calibrate safety monitoring instruments and equipment.
Education & How to Get In
Most Occupational Health and Safety Technician positions require an associate degree or vocational training. Many community colleges and technical schools offer relevant programs that can be completed in 1–2 years, often with hands-on clinical or lab experience built in.
Get Started Learning
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Work Environment
Structured, offices, data centers, 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 Technician involves a mix of core responsibilities:
Personality Fit (RIASEC)
Who Thrives as Occupational Health and Safety Technician?
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 Technician Roles
Browse live openings to get a feel for requirements and pay in your area.
Similar Careers
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Job Outlook
Employment of Occupational Health and Safety Technicians is projected to grow 19.4% from 2025 to 2035, much faster than average for all occupations.
Will AI Replace This Job?
- ·43% routine cognitive tasks, high automation target
- ·26% physical tasks, limited by robotics progress
- ·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 Technician make?
The median Occupational Health and Safety Technician earns $62k 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 Technician jobs?
Our model puts Occupational Health and Safety Technician at 37 out of 100 for automation exposure, which is moderate, likely AI-complementary. The main drivers: 43% routine cognitive tasks, high automation target; 26% physical tasks, limited by robotics progress.
Is Occupational Health and Safety Technician a growing field?
Employment is projected to grow 19.4% between 2025 and 2035, which is much faster than average. That works out to roughly 3,800 openings a year, counting both new positions and people leaving the occupation.
What degree do you need to be an Occupational Health and Safety Technician?
Most Occupational Health and Safety Technician roles expect an associate degree, apprenticeship or vocational certificate rather than a four-year degree.
How long does it take to become an Occupational Health and Safety Technician?
Typically one to two years, typically an associate degree, apprenticeship or vocational program. O*NET classes this role as Job Zone 3 of 5, which describes how much preparation people in it usually have.
Is an Occupational Health and Safety Technician 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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