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Career Profile

Occupational Health and Safety Specialists

What they do:

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.

Also Called:

Chemical Hygiene Officer, EHS Officer (Environmental Health and Safety Officer), Health and Safety Analyst, Industrial Hygiene Consultant, Industrial Hygienist, Industrial Hygienist Consultant, OHS Consultant (Occupational Health and Safety Consultant), Risk Control Consultant, Safety Consultant, Safety Specialist, Chemical Hygiene Officer, EHS Officer (Environmental Health and Safety Officer), Health and Safety Analyst, Industrial Hygiene Consultant, Industrial Hygienist, Industrial Hygienist Consultant, OHS Consultant (Occupational Health and Safety Consultant), Risk Control Consultant, Safety Consultant, Safety Specialist

Job Data & Employment

*National data provided by O*NET & BLS
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$55,000
Starting Salary (2025)
$90,150
Median Salary (2025)
12.5%
Projected Job Growth
140,610
Employment (2025)

Typical Tasks

Collaborate with engineers or physicians to institute control or remedial measures for hazardous or potentially hazardous conditions or equipment.
Conduct safety training or education programs and demonstrate the use of safety equipment.
Coordinate "right-to-know" programs regarding hazardous chemicals or other substances.
Develop or maintain hygiene programs, such as noise surveys, continuous atmosphere monitoring, ventilation surveys, or asbestos management plans.
Inspect or evaluate workplace environments, equipment, or practices to ensure compliance with safety standards and government regulations.

A day in the life

What kind of work is this?

Investigative
Studying, Research based work
Conventional
Organized, Procedural Work
Realistic
Practical, Physical Work

What personality traits do you need to succeed?

Integrity
Cooperation
Dependability
Attention to Detail
Adaptability/Flexibility
Concern for Others

What key skills are needed for this job?

Speaking
Reading Comprehension
Critical Thinking
Active Listening
Complex Problem Solving
Systems Evaluation

Expected Knowledge

Education and Training

Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.

English Language

Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.

Public Safety and Security

Knowledge of relevant equipment, policies, procedures, and strategies to promote effective local, state, or national security operations for the protection of people, data, property, and institutions.

Common Activities

Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards

Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.

Getting Information

Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.

Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates

Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.

Education & Preparation

Some occupations may require additional education, advanced degrees, and years of experience in the field.
Talk to your support team on campus about this career pathway and additional degree information.
Job Zone 4

Considerable Preparation Needed

Education

Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.

Experience

A considerable amount of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is needed for these occupations.

Training

Employees in these occupations usually need several years of work-related experience, on-the-job training, and/or vocational training.

Typical Education Required

Education a new hire may need

  • Bachelor's degree 73%
  • Master's degree 18%
  • Post-secondary certificate 5%
  • Post-baccalaureate certificate 5%
Source: O*NET Education, Training & Experience data

Related Careers

Occupational Health and Safety Technicians
Health and Safety Engineers, Except Mining Safety Engineers and Inspectors
Environmental Compliance Inspectors
Environmental Science and Protection Technicians, Including Health
Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health

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*Data on career profiles are based on information supplied by the O*NET Program, sponsored by U.S. Department of Labor, Employment, and Training Administration.