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.
Median pay
$61,560
Growth to 2035
+19%
much faster than average
Openings a year
3,800
Time to qualify*
6 months
* From a bachelor's degree in an unrelated field.
Pay
Occupational health and safety technicians
Getting in
- Typical entry education
- High school diploma or equivalent
- On-the-job training
- Moderate-term on-the-job training
- Prior experience
- None
Calculate your switch to occupational health and safety technicians
What the work is like
Dealing with the public
Unpleasant or angry people
Time pressure
Cost of a mistake
Freedom to make decisions
Repeating the same tasks
Time sitting
Time standing
Outdoors in all weather
Hazardous conditions
Exposure to disease
Occupational health and safety technicians: 71% usually work over 40 hours a week
Core 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.
Also called: Advisory Industrial Hygienist · Certified Industrial Hygienist (CIH) · Construction Safety Consultant · EHS Advisor (Environmental, Health, and Safety Advisor) · Health and Safety Technician (Health and Safety Tech) · Industrial Hygiene Consultant · Industrial Hygienist · Safety Specialist
Outlook and AI
Occupational health and safety technicians held 31,200 jobs in 2025. BLS projects 37,200 by 2035 (+19%, much faster than average; all jobs: +3.5%).
Demand change - share increases as employers increasingly prioritize worker health and safety. This will be largely driven by an increased focus on employee well-being, the introduction of new technologies in the workplace, and a greater prevalence of climate-related hazards.
Compare with
- Occupational health and safety technicians vs. Health and safety engineers, except mining safety engineers and inspectors
- Occupational health and safety technicians vs. Occupational health and safety specialists
- Occupational health and safety technicians vs. Compliance officer
- Occupational health and safety technicians vs. Environmental scientists and specialists, including health
- Occupational health and safety technicians vs. Environmental science and protection technicians, including health
- Occupational health and safety technicians vs. Environmental engineer
- Occupational health and safety technicians vs. Construction and building inspectors
- Occupational health and safety technicians vs. Environmental engineering technologists and technicians
- Occupational health and safety technicians vs. Paramedic