CFChooseField
Science

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.

Visual summary of pay, outlook, skills, interests, and preparation for Occupational Health and Safety Specialists
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Median pay

$83,910
Median annual pay for Occupational Health and Safety Specialists.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024
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10-year growth

12.5%
Projected employment growth from 2024 to 2034.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024–2034 projections
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Annual openings

14,900
Projected annual openings, including growth and replacement demand.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024–2034 projections
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Employment

131,900
Estimated U.S. employment for Occupational Health and Safety Specialists in 2024.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024
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Jobs added or lost

+16,500
Projected numeric employment change from 2024 to 2034.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024–2034 projections
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Entry preparation

Bachelor's degree
Typical education needed to enter Occupational Health and Safety Specialists.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024 profile
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O*NET occupation profile

What the work involves

Strongest O*NET signals first.

Essential skills

  1. 1Active Listening
  2. 2Reading Comprehension
  3. 3Speaking
  4. 4Writing
  5. 5Critical Thinking
  6. 6Monitoring

Knowledge areas

  1. 1English Language
  2. 2Chemistry
  3. 3Education and Training
  4. 4Mathematics
  5. 5Customer and Personal Service
  6. 6Engineering and Technology

Abilities

  1. 1Deductive Reasoning
  2. 2Inductive Reasoning
  3. 3Near Vision
  4. 4Oral Comprehension
  5. 5Oral Expression
  6. 6Problem Sensitivity

Career interests

  1. 1Investigative
  2. 2Conventional
  3. 3Realistic
  4. 4Social
  5. 5Enterprising
  6. 6Artistic

Work styles

  1. 1Cautiousness
  2. 2Attention to Detail
  3. 3Dependability
  4. 4Integrity
  5. 5Intellectual Curiosity
  6. 6Stress Tolerance

Work activities

  1. 1Getting Information
  2. 2Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards
  3. 3Documenting/Recording Information
  4. 4Analyzing Data or Information
  5. 5Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge
  6. 6Making Decisions and Solving Problems

Work context

  1. 1E-Mail
  2. 2Telephone Conversations
  3. 3Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams
  4. 4Health and Safety of Other Workers
  5. 5Indoors, Environmentally Controlled
  6. 6Contact With Others

Representative tasks

  • Recommend measures to help protect workers from potentially hazardous work methods, processes, or materials.
  • Develop or maintain hygiene programs, such as noise surveys, continuous atmosphere monitoring, ventilation surveys, or asbestos management plans.
  • Order suspension of activities that pose threats to workers' health or safety.
  • Investigate accidents to identify causes or to determine how such accidents might be prevented in the future.
  • Inspect or evaluate workplace environments, equipment, or practices to ensure compliance with safety standards and government regulations.
  • Collect samples of dust, gases, vapors, or other potentially toxic materials for analysis.
  • Collaborate with engineers or physicians to institute control or remedial measures for hazardous or potentially hazardous conditions or equipment.
  • Investigate the adequacy of ventilation, exhaust equipment, lighting, or other conditions that could affect employee health, comfort, or performance.

Software and tools

Microsoft Outlook · in demandMicrosoft Word · in demandMicrosoft Excel · in demandMicrosoft Office software · in demandMicrosoft PowerPoint · in demandMicrosoft Windows · hot technologyMicrosoft Access · hot technologyMicrosoft Active Server Pages ASP · hot technologySAP software · hot technologyMicrosoft Project · hot technologyMicrosoft SharePoint · hot technologySafety Software OSHALOG 300

Sources

BLS provides national pay, employment, and projections. O*NET provides skills, interests, preparation, tasks, work context, and tools.

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