Top Skills for This Career
BLS identifies these as the three highest-rated skills for this detailed occupation. TrustInEd adds the plain-language explanations so visitors understand what each skill means.
Adjusting effectively when priorities, conditions, tools, or expectations change.
Understanding written information and communicating ideas clearly in writing.
Paying close attention to accuracy, quality, instructions, and small but important details.
How Do You Prepare for This Career?
BLS describes the typical preparation for this occupation. Requirements can vary by employer, state, licensing rules and individual circumstances.
How to Become One
Occupational health and safety specialists typically need a bachelor’s degree in occupational health and safety or a related field. Occupational health and safety technicians typically need at least a high school diploma to enter the occupation, and they receive training on the job. PayThe median annual wage for occupational health and safety specialists was $90,150 in May 2025.The median annual wage for occupational health and safety technicians was $61,560 in May 2025. Job Outlook 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. About 20,900 openings for occupational health and safety specialists and technicians are projected each year, on average, over the decade. 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. State & Area Data Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for occupational health and safety specialists and technicians. Similar Occupations Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of occupational health and safety specialists and technicians with similar occupations. More Information, Including Links to O*NET Learn more about occupational health and safety specialists and technicians by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
Your Next Step
Review training, certifications, apprenticeships, or employer-based preparation that may support entry into this career.
Pay
The median annual wage for occupational health and safety specialists was $90,150 in May 2025.The median annual wage for occupational health and safety technicians was $61,560 in May 2025. Job Outlook 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. About 20,900 openings for occupational health and safety specialists and technicians are projected each year, on average, over the decade. 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. State & Area Data Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for occupational health and safety specialists and technicians. Similar Occupations Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of occupational health and safety specialists and technicians with similar occupations. More Information, Including Links to O*NET Learn more about occupational health and safety specialists and technicians by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
Job Outlook
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. About 20,900 openings for occupational health and safety specialists and technicians are projected each year, on average, over the decade. 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. State & Area Data Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for occupational health and safety specialists and technicians. Similar Occupations Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of occupational health and safety specialists and technicians with similar occupations. More Information, Including Links to O*NET Learn more about occupational health and safety specialists and technicians by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
What They Do
Occupational health and safety specialists and technicians collect data on, analyze, and design improvements to work environments and procedures.
Work Environment
Occupational health and safety specialists and technicians work in a variety of indoor or outdoor settings, such as offices and factories or construction sites. Their jobs may involve considerable travel and fieldwork. Most work full time, and some work more than 40 hours per week.
How to Become an Occupational Health and Safety Specialist or Technician
Occupational health and safety specialists typically need a bachelor’s degree in occupational health and safety or a related field. Occupational health and safety technicians typically need at least a high school diploma to enter the occupation, and they receive training on the job.
Pay
The median annual wage for occupational health and safety specialists was $90,150 in May 2025.
The median annual wage for occupational health and safety technicians was $61,560 in May 2025.
Job Outlook
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.
About 20,900 openings for occupational health and safety specialists and technicians are projected each year, on average, over the decade. 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.
State & Area Data
Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for occupational health and safety specialists and technicians.
Similar Occupations
Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of occupational health and safety specialists and technicians with similar occupations.
More Information, Including Links to O*NET
Learn more about occupational health and safety specialists and technicians by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
Work Environment
Occupational health and safety specialists and technicians work in a variety of indoor or outdoor settings, such as offices and factories or construction sites. Their jobs may involve considerable travel and fieldwork. Most work full time, and some work more than 40 hours per week.
How to Become an Occupational Health and Safety Specialist or Technician
Occupational health and safety specialists typically need a bachelor’s degree in occupational health and safety or a related field. Occupational health and safety technicians typically need at least a high school diploma to enter the occupation, and they receive training on the job.
Pay
The median annual wage for occupational health and safety specialists was $90,150 in May 2025.
The median annual wage for occupational health and safety technicians was $61,560 in May 2025.
Job Outlook
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.
About 20,900 openings for occupational health and safety specialists and technicians are projected each year, on average, over the decade. 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.
State & Area Data
Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for occupational health and safety specialists and technicians.
Similar Occupations
Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of occupational health and safety specialists and technicians with similar occupations.
More Information, Including Links to O*NET
Learn more about occupational health and safety specialists and technicians by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
State & Area Data
Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for occupational health and safety specialists and technicians.
Similar Occupations
Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of occupational health and safety specialists and technicians with similar occupations.
More Information, Including Links to O*NET
Learn more about occupational health and safety specialists and technicians by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
More Information
Learn more about occupational health and safety specialists and technicians by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
Take the Next Step
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Start with ED →Career data and occupational profile text are sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook and Employment Projections program. Education requirements are typical entry-level requirements and may vary by employer, state, occupation or individual circumstance. View the official BLS profile.