Review, evaluate, and analyze work environments and design programs and procedures to control, eliminate, and prevent disease or injury caused by chemical, physical, and biological agents or ergonomic factors. May conduct inspections and enforce adherence to laws and regulations governing the health and safety of individuals. May be employed in the public or private sector.
SOC: 19-5011.00
Common Job Titles
Industrial Hygiene Consultant
Industrial Hygienist
Safety Consultant
Safety Specialist
What You'll Need to Succeed
AI-generated
Key competencies for this occupation at a glance
KnowledgeDesign comprehensive safety programs and hazard control procedures integrating engineering controls, administrative policies, and ergonomic principles.
Advanced
KnowledgeEvaluate workplace hazards and environmental conditions for compliance with health and safety regulations conducting on-site inspections in diverse industrial and commercial settings.
Proficient
KnowledgeAnalyze air quality data, chemical exposure levels, and biological hazards using sampling equipment and analytical instruments to identify risk factors.
Proficient
KnowledgeAssess workplace injury data and incident reports to identify trends and root causes collaborating with management and interdisciplinary teams to implement corrective actions.
Proficient
MindsetAdvocate for worker safety and health standards when negotiating with organizational leadership and enforcing regulatory compliance.
Proficient
KnowledgeInterpret federal, state, and local occupational health and safety laws and regulations providing consultation and advice to employers and employees across public and private sectors.
Proficient
KnowledgeJustify recommendations for hazard abatement and safety improvements preparing detailed written reports and presenting findings to regulatory agencies and executive leadership.
Proficient
MindsetIntegrate emerging research in toxicology, ergonomics, and industrial hygiene into continuous professional development maintaining current knowledge of evolving standards and best practices.
Proficient
MindsetEngage diverse stakeholders in safety training and awareness initiatives delivering instructional programs tailored to organizational needs and employee skill levels.
Developing
Hands-onOperate environmental monitoring instruments including air sampling pumps, gas chromatographs, and radiation detectors following standardized protocols to collect accurate field data.
Developing
Wage Data According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics
Annual wage data for Occupational Health and Safety Specialists (2024)
Estimated Total Employment (U.S.)
128,430
Wage Distribution by Percentile
Line chart of annual wages by percentile. U.S. is the solid line. 10th percentile: U.S. $50,610. 25th percentile: U.S. $64,410. 50th percentile: U.S. $83,910. 75th percentile: U.S. $105,390. 90th percentile: U.S. $130,460. Use the left and right arrow keys to move between percentiles.
U.S.
Metric
U.S.
10% of workers earn the following or less
$50,610
10% of workers earn the following or more
$130,460
Workers on average earn
$88,660
+ indicates wage is at or above the BLS reporting cap ($239,200/year)
Skills & Requirements
Key competencies for this occupation, ranked by importance
English Language4.0/5
Chemistry3.9/5
Education and Training3.8/5
Mathematics3.8/5
Customer and Personal Service3.7/5
Skills & Requirements: Knowledge
Tools & Technology
Equipment and software commonly used in this occupation
In-Demand Technology
Frequently requested by employers in job postings
Microsoft Access
Microsoft Active Server Pages ASP
Microsoft Excel
Microsoft Office software
Microsoft Outlook
Microsoft PowerPoint
Microsoft Project
Microsoft SharePoint
Microsoft Windows
Microsoft Word
SAP software
Technology Skills
Curtis Management Resources Training Management System
Database software
ESS Compliance Suite
EcoLogic ADAM Indoor Air Quality and Analytical Data Management
