The median pay for Occupational Health and Safety Technicians is $61,560 a year ($29.59/hr), according to BLS OEWS, May 2025. Employment is projected to grow 19.4% through 2035, with about 3,800 openings a year (BLS EP, 2025–2035). Typical entry-level education: High school diploma or equivalent.
- SOC 19-5012
- Life, Physical, and Social Science
- Last updated October 9, 2026
At a glance
Occupational Health and Safety Technician in four numbers
- Median pay
- $61,560a year, or $29.59/hrBLS OEWS, May 2025Lowest 10% $46KTop 10% $100K
US median, all jobs: $50,980
- Projected growth
- +19.4%Much faster than averageBLS EP, 2025–2035This career+19.4%All jobs+3.5%
Projected employment change, 2025–2035 Item Value This career +19.4% All jobs +3.5% - Openings a year
- 3,80031,200 jobs todayBLS EP, 2025–2035
- Jobs in 202531.2K
- Projected 203537.2K
Employment, 2025–2035 Item Value Jobs in 2025 31.2K Projected 2035 37.2K - Typical education
- High schoolneeded to enterBLS EP, 2025–2035; mix: O*NET
- High school9.5%
- Certificate4.8%
- Some college9.5%
- Associate's19.1%
- Bachelor's47.6%
- Post-bacc certificate4.8%
Highest education held by occupational health and safety technicians Segment Value High school 9.5% Certificate 4.8% Some college 9.5% Associate's 19.1% Bachelor's 47.6% Post-bacc certificate 4.8%
Also advertised as: Advisory Industrial Hygienist, Certified Industrial Hygienist (CIH), Construction Safety Consultant, EHS Advisor (Environmental, Health, and Safety Advisor), Health and Safety Technician (Health and Safety Tech), Industrial Hygiene Consultant.
Pay
How much do Occupational Health and Safety Technicians make?
Every occupational health and safety technician in the US, by percentile of annual wage
Median
$61,560
Middle half earn $52,470 to $78,850
- 10th
- $46,280
- 25th
- $52,470
- 75th
- $78,850
- 90th
- $100,160
All US occupations: $50,980
| Percentile | Value |
|---|---|
| 10th | $46,280 |
| 25th | $52,470 |
| Median | $61,560 |
| 75th | $78,850 |
| 90th | $100,160 |
| All US occupations | $50,980 |
Source: BLS OEWS, May 2025
- Median annual wage
- $61,560
- Median hourly wage
- $29.59/hr
- Mean annual wage
- $68,120
- People employed
- 30,590
Versus all US occupations
At $61,560, Occupational Health and Safety Technicians earn 21% above the $50,980 median across all US occupations, a difference of $10,580 a year.
Versus life, physical, and social science occupations
Inside the Life, Physical, and Social Science group, where the middle occupation pays $82,220, this is 25% below the group median.
Pay range
The top 10% earn $100,160 or more while the bottom 10% earn $46,280, a gap of 2.2×. That is a typical spread for a US occupation.
Rank in the bank
This median pays more than 34% of the 1,741 occupations in the NueCareer career bank.
Highest-paying state
Washington pays the most at $104,910, and still leads at $98,035 once local prices are taken into account.
Pay by state
Which states pay Occupational Health and Safety Technicians the most?
State medians come from the same OEWS release as the national figures. The cost-of-living column divides each state median by that state's BEA Regional Price Parity, restating pay in national-average dollars so a high-cost state and a low-cost one can be compared directly.
| State | Median | COL-adjusted | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1Washington | $104,910 | $98,035 | 570 |
| 2Rhode Island | $84,640 | $82,753 | 60 |
| 3West Virginia | $81,470 | $91,031 | 320 |
| 4Alaska | $80,760 | $78,899 | 140 |
| 5New Mexico | $79,490 | $86,204 | 790 |
| 6Minnesota | $74,400 | $75,440 | 270 |
| 7Colorado | $73,110 | $70,945 | 400 |
| 8New York | $69,640 | $64,529 | 1,410 |
| 9Massachusetts | $68,730 | $64,989 | 290 |
| 10Connecticut | $68,310 | $65,930 | 130 |
Job outlook
Is Occupational Health and Safety Technician a growing career?
Employment change over 2025–2035, against every US occupation
Much faster than average. +19.4% projected growth vs 3.5% for all occupations.
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Occupational Health and Safety Technicians | +19.4% |
| All US occupations | +3.5% |
Source: BLS EP, 2025–2035
Much faster than average
BLS projects employment of Occupational Health and Safety Technicians to change 19.4% over 2025–2035, roughly 5.5× the 3.5% projected for all occupations. That is 6,100 more jobs.
Annual openings
About 3,800 openings are projected each year, 12.2% of the 31,200 jobs that existed in 2025. Most come from workers leaving the occupation, not from growth alone.
Overall employment of occupational health and safety specialists and technicians is projected to grow 19 percent from 2025 to 2035, much faster than the average for all occupations.
Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.
Occupational health and safety specialists and technicians will be needed in a variety of industries and government agencies to ensure safe working conditions that comply with regulations.
In recent years, employers have emphasized worker health, safety, and wellness. This trend is expected to continue, which should contribute to increased demand for occupational health and safety specialists and technicians.
Getting in
How to become an Occupational Health and Safety Technician
Occupational health and safety specialists typically need a bachelor’s degree in occupational health and safety or a related field. Technicians typically need at least a high school diploma to enter the occupation, and they receive training on the job. Some pursue professional certification.
- 1
Typical entry-level education
High school diploma or equivalent
- 2
Work experience in a related occupation
None
- 3
Typical on-the-job training
Moderate-term on-the-job training
- 4
Preparation needed (O*NET job zone)
Some preparation
BLS Employment Projections, 2025–2035; job zone from O*NET 31.0 Database.
What education people in the job have
O*NET incumbent survey: the highest level of education reported by people already working as occupational health and safety technicians.
- Bachelor's Degree47.6%
- Associate's Degree or other 2-year degree19.1%
- High School Diploma or the equivalent (such as a GED)9.5%
- Some College Courses9.5%
- Post-Secondary Certificate4.8%
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Bachelor's Degree | 47.6% |
| Associate's Degree or other 2-year degree | 19.1% |
| High School Diploma or the equivalent (such as a GED) | 9.5% |
| Some College Courses | 9.5% |
| Post-Secondary Certificate | 4.8% |
Source: O*NET 31.0 Database
The work
What does an Occupational Health and Safety Technician do?
Collect data on work environments for analysis by occupational health and safety specialists. Implement and conduct evaluation of programs designed to limit chemical, physical, biological, and ergonomic risks to workers.
Occupational health and safety specialists and technicians collect data on, analyze, and design improvements to many types of work environments and procedures. Specialists inspect workplaces and enforce adherence to regulations on safety, health, and the environment. Technicians work with specialists to implement and evaluate programs aimed at mitigating risks to workers, property, the environment, and the public.
Day-to-day tasks
- Evaluate situations or make determinations when a worker has refused to work on the grounds that danger or potential harm exists.
- Supply, operate, or maintain personal protective equipment.
- Test workplaces for environmental hazards, such as exposure to radiation, chemical or biological hazards, or excessive noise.
- Provide consultation to organizations or agencies on the workplace application of safety principles, practices, or techniques.
- Verify availability or monitor use of safety equipment, such as hearing protection or respirators.
- Prepare or review specifications or orders for the purchase of safety equipment, ensuring that proper features are present and that items conform to health and safety standards.
- Plan emergency response drills.
- Review records or reports concerning laboratory results, staffing, floor plans, fire inspections, or sanitation to gather information for the development or enforcement of safety activities.
O*NET core tasks, ordered by reported importance.
Working conditions and hours
Most occupational health and safety specialists and technicians work full time, and some work more than 40 hours per week. Technicians may be on call to work weekends or irregular schedules in emergencies.
Where the work happens
Indoors, climate-controlled
NeverEvery dayOutdoors in all weather
NeverEvery day
Physical demands
Sitting
NeverAlmost all the timeStanding
NeverAlmost all the timeBending or twisting
NeverAlmost all the time
Working with people
Contact with other people
NoneConstantFace-to-face discussions
NeverEvery dayFace-to-face discussions every day.
Dealing with the public
Not importantExtremely important
Pressure and stakes
Strict deadlines
NeverEvery dayConflict situations
NeverEvery dayCost of a mistake
Not seriousExtremely serious
Autonomy
Freedom to decide
NoneA lotA lot of freedom to make decisions without checking first.
Schedules: BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2025–2035 edition. Conditions: O*NET Work Context survey. Each item has its own scale, so each dot is read against the two answers that end its own line.
Where occupational health and safety technicians work
Share of jobs by employer type
- Government, excluding state and local education and hospitals18%
- Manufacturing17%
- Construction17%
- Transportation and warehousing8%
- Management, scientific, and technical consulting services6%
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Government, excluding state and local education and hospitals | 18% |
| Manufacturing | 17% |
| Construction | 17% |
| Transportation and warehousing | 8% |
| Management, scientific, and technical consulting services | 6% |
Source: BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2025–2035 edition
Core skills
O*NET importance, 1 to 5
- Active Listening4.0
- Reading Comprehension3.9
- Speaking3.9
- Critical Thinking3.9
- Writing3.8
- Monitoring3.3
- Active Learning3.1
- Learning Strategies3.0
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Active Listening | 4.0 |
| Reading Comprehension | 3.9 |
| Speaking | 3.9 |
| Critical Thinking | 3.9 |
| Writing | 3.8 |
| Monitoring | 3.3 |
| Active Learning | 3.1 |
| Learning Strategies | 3.0 |
Source: O*NET 31.0 Database
Transferable skills
O*NET importance, 1 to 5
- Complex Problem Solving3.3
- Judgment and Decision Making3.3
- Social Perceptiveness3.1
- Persuasion3.1
- Negotiation3.1
- Systems Analysis3.1
- Coordination3.0
- Instructing3.0
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Complex Problem Solving | 3.3 |
| Judgment and Decision Making | 3.3 |
| Social Perceptiveness | 3.1 |
| Persuasion | 3.1 |
| Negotiation | 3.1 |
| Systems Analysis | 3.1 |
| Coordination | 3.0 |
| Instructing | 3.0 |
Source: O*NET 31.0 Database
Tools and software
- Data base user interface and query software · in demand
- Document management software · in demand
- Electronic mail software · in demand
- Enterprise resource planning ERP software · in demand
- Office suite software · in demand
- Presentation software · in demand
- Spreadsheet software · in demand
- Word processing software · in demand
- Analytical or scientific software
- Graphics or photo imaging software
- Industrial control software
- Internet browser software
“In demand” marks an O*NET Employer-Based Hot Technology, software named in real job postings for this occupation.
Personality fit
What personality type suits an Occupational Health and Safety Technician?
O*NET Occupational Interests (RIASEC), scored 1 to 7
| Axis | Occupational Health and Safety Technician |
|---|---|
| Realistic | 5 |
| Investigative | 5 |
| Artistic | 1 |
| Social | 3 |
| Enterprising | 3 |
| Conventional | 6 |
Source: O*NET 31.0 Database
What the work is built around
Day to day this is work built around organising, following procedures and working precisely with data, combined with hands-on, practical work with tools, machines or the outdoors.
- Conventional5.6
- Realistic5.3
- Investigative4.9
- Social2.9
- Enterprising2.6
- Artistic1.0
Closest MBTI types
NueCareer fit scores: cosine similarity between each MBTI type's interest vector and this occupation's O*NET interest profile. Not a BLS or O*NET figure; the method is documented on our methodology page.
Explore further
Careers related to Occupational Health and Safety Technician
O*NET related occupations
- Architecture and Engineering
Health and Safety Engineer, Except Mining Safety Engineers and Inspectors
$115,160median a year
Most earn $68K to $171K
+5.4%Bachelor's - Life, Physical, and Social Science
Occupational Health and Safety Specialist
$90,150median a year
Most earn $55K to $135K
+18.5%Bachelor's - Business and Financial Operations
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$82,220median a year
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$55,090median a year
Most earn $38K to $94K
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More life, physical, and social science careers
Median annual pay, with occupational health and safety technicians highlighted
- Industrial-Organizational Psychologist$193,950
- Physicist$172,250
- Medical Scientist, Except Epidemiologists$103,410
- Chemist$91,240
- Environmental Scientist and Specialist, Including Health$82,220
- Conservation Scientist$73,010
- Occupational Health and Safety Technician$61,560
- Chemical Technician$60,390
- Biological Technician$57,510
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Industrial-Organizational Psychologist | $193,950 |
| Physicist | $172,250 |
| Medical Scientist, Except Epidemiologists | $103,410 |
| Chemist | $91,240 |
| Environmental Scientist and Specialist, Including Health | $82,220 |
| Conservation Scientist | $73,010 |
| Occupational Health and Safety Technician | $61,560 |
| Chemical Technician | $60,390 |
| Biological Technician | $57,510 |
Source: BLS OEWS, May 2025
Specialty careers within occupational health and safety technician
Distinct careers BLS counts inside this occupation, each with its own profile.
Lists Occupational Health and Safety Technician appears on
Questions
Occupational Health and Safety Technician: frequently asked questions
How much do Occupational Health and Safety Technicians make?
Occupational Health and Safety Technicians earn a median of $61,560 a year (BLS OEWS, May 2025), 21% above the $50,980 US median across all occupations. That works out at $29.59/hr. The middle half earn between $52,470 and $78,850. The top 10% earn $100,160 or more.
Do you need a degree to become an Occupational Health and Safety Technician?
No. A bachelor's degree is not the norm: BLS reports a high school diploma or equivalent as the typical entry-level education for Occupational Health and Safety Technicians. BLS also lists moderate-term on-the-job training as typical on-the-job training. In O*NET's survey of people already doing the job, 47.6% hold bachelor's degree.
Is Occupational Health and Safety Technician a growing career?
Yes, strongly. Employment is projected to grow 19.4% over 2025–2035, more than double the 3.5% projected for all occupations (BLS EP, 2025–2035). BLS still projects about 3,800 openings a year, mostly from workers retiring or moving to other work.
What does an Occupational Health and Safety Technician do?
Occupational health and safety specialists and technicians collect data on, analyze, and design improvements to many types of work environments and procedures. A core O*NET task: evaluate situations or make determinations when a worker has refused to work on the grounds that danger or potential harm exists. Employers most often ask for Data base user interface and query software, Document management software, Electronic mail software.
Which states pay Occupational Health and Safety Technicians the most?
The highest state medians for Occupational Health and Safety Technicians are Washington ($104,910), Rhode Island ($84,640), West Virginia ($81,470) (BLS OEWS, May 2025).
What personality type suits an Occupational Health and Safety Technician?
O*NET scores Occupational Health and Safety Technicians highest on the Conventional, Realistic and Investigative interest areas, so the work mixes organising, following procedures and working precisely with data with hands-on, practical work with tools, machines or the outdoors. On NueCareer's MBTI-to-interest mapping that lines up most closely with ISTJ personalities. Personality is a fit signal, not a gate. The free NueCareer quiz scores your own profile against all 1,731 careers in the bank.