Occupational Safety and Health Workers

Earnings vary based on factors such as the field in which the safety and health worker is involved, his or her experience, and the size of the employer. In 2023, the U.S. Department of Labor reported that the median salary of occupational health and safety specialists was $81,140. The lowest paid 10 percent earned less than $49,550, while the highest paid 10 percent earned more than $128,040. Occupational health and safety technicians earned median annual salaries of $57,920 in 2023. Salaries ranged from less than $40,030 for the lowest paid 10 percent to more than $97,360 for the top paid 10 percent.

According to the Board of Certified Safety Professionals (BCSP), salaries for safety workers may range from less than $60,000 to $200,000 or more. Those with certification typically earn salaries that are $18,100 higher than their peers without certification. In a November 2023 report, the BCSP revealed that the median base salary for safety workers with Certified Safety Professional (CSP) certification was about $120,000 in 2022.

Those who work full time for one company usually receive health benefits and paid vacation. Consultants and self-employed workers choose their own hours and clients, but they do not usually receive benefits, such as insurance or paid vacation time.