Occupational Health and Safety Technicians

People in this career focus on protecting workers by inspecting equipment, structures, and materials to identify potential hazards. On a daily basis, they gather information, monitor surrounding processes, and evaluate their findings to ensure compliance with safety standards. Documenting and recording this information is a key part of the job, as is communicating findings clearly to supervisors and colleagues. Technicians also train and teach others about safety protocols, which requires updating and using relevant industry knowledge regularly.

Succeeding in this role requires a conventional interest area, meaning a preference for structured, detail-oriented tasks. Important work styles include cautiousness, dependability, attention to detail, and integrity. Technicians must handle high-stress situations with self-control and cooperation. They rely heavily on skills like active listening, critical thinking, reading comprehension, and complex problem solving. On the technical side, they utilize knowledge of public safety and security, law and government, engineering, mathematics, and mechanical systems to keep workplaces safe.

To enter this field, candidates typically need a high school diploma, though the career generally requires medium preparation. This preparation often includes vocational training, an associate degree, or related on-the-job experience. Students interested in this pathway can pursue college majors such as quality control and safety technologies, public health, pharmacology and toxicology, or allied health diagnostic, intervention, and treatment professions.

While not always required to start, professional certifications can help candidates advance. Examples of relevant credentials include the Certified Safety Professional from the Board of Certified Safety Professionals, the Certified Safety and Health Specialist from Eastern Kentucky University, and various Certified Safety and Health Official certificates offered by institutions like the Alliance Safety Council, the Construction Education Foundation, and the Keene State College OSHA Education Center. Additionally, some states list a license for this work, so requirements can vary by location.

The median annual pay for these technicians is $61,560. Earnings can vary significantly based on experience and location, with the lowest 10% earning less than $46,280 and the highest 10% earning more than $100,160. With 30,590 people employed in this field, the occupation is projected to grow by 19.4% from 2025 to 2035, which is much faster than the average for all occupations. This growth is expected to generate 3,800 job openings each year.