CFChooseField
Science

Occupational Health and Safety Technicians

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.

Visual summary of pay, outlook, skills, interests, and preparation for Occupational Health and Safety Technicians
Download graphic

Median pay

$58,440
Median annual pay for Occupational Health and Safety Technicians.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024
View source ↗

10-year growth

8.5%
Projected employment growth from 2024 to 2034.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024–2034 projections
View source ↗

Annual openings

3,400
Projected annual openings, including growth and replacement demand.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024–2034 projections
View source ↗

Employment

31,900
Estimated U.S. employment for Occupational Health and Safety Technicians in 2024.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024
View source ↗

Jobs added or lost

+2,700
Projected numeric employment change from 2024 to 2034.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024–2034 projections
View source ↗

Entry preparation

High school diploma or equivalent
Typical additional preparation: Moderate-term on-the-job training.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024 profile
View source ↗
O*NET occupation profile

What the work involves

Strongest O*NET signals first.

Essential skills

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

Knowledge areas

  1. 1Education and Training
  2. 2English Language
  3. 3Public Safety and Security
  4. 4Law and Government
  5. 5Engineering and Technology
  6. 6Mathematics

Abilities

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

Career interests

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

Work styles

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

Work activities

  1. 1Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards
  2. 2Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates
  3. 3Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events
  4. 4Getting Information
  5. 5Documenting/Recording Information
  6. 6Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings

Work context

  1. 1E-Mail
  2. 2Telephone Conversations
  3. 3Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams
  4. 4Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets
  5. 5Contact With Others
  6. 6Work With or Contribute to a Work Group or Team

Representative 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.
  • Train workers in safety procedures related to green jobs, such as the use of fall protection devices or maintenance of proper ventilation during wind turbine construction.
  • Test workplaces for environmental hazards, such as exposure to radiation, chemical or biological hazards, or excessive noise.
  • Maintain all required environmental records and documentation.
  • Provide consultation to organizations or agencies on the workplace application of safety principles, practices, or techniques.
  • Inspect fire suppression systems or portable fire systems to ensure proper working order.
  • Verify availability or monitor use of safety equipment, such as hearing protection or respirators.

Software and tools

Microsoft PowerPoint · in demandMicrosoft Excel · in demandMicrosoft Office software · in demandMicrosoft Outlook · in demandMicrosoft Word · in demandSAP software · hot technologyMicrosoft Access · hot technologyMicrosoft SharePoint · hot technologyTapRooTStatistical analysis softwareRemedy Interactive iMitigateQuestSuite Professional

Sources

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

ChooseField compares fields using public labor-market and professional sources.