Occupational Health and Safety Specialists
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 ConsultantIndustrial HygienistSafety ConsultantSafety Specialist
What You'll Need to Succeed
AI-generatedKey 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
| 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
Tools & Technology
Equipment and software commonly used in this occupation
In-Demand Technology
Frequently requested by employers in job postings
Microsoft AccessMicrosoft Active Server Pages ASPMicrosoft ExcelMicrosoft Office softwareMicrosoft OutlookMicrosoft PowerPointMicrosoft ProjectMicrosoft SharePointMicrosoft WindowsMicrosoft WordSAP software
Technology Skills
Curtis Management Resources Training Management SystemDatabase softwareESS Compliance SuiteEcoLogic ADAM Indoor Air Quality and Analytical Data ManagementImageWave MSDSFinderMannus Compliance: EHSMedgate Enterprise EHSPrimatech AUDITWorks
Tools & Equipment
Aerosol monitoring instrumentsAir flow monitorsAir sampling impingersAir sampling pumpsAnemometersAudiometersBarometersBenzene detector tubes