Occupational Health and Safety Technicians

SOC code 19-5012 · O*NET-SOC 19-5012.00 · Medium preparation needed · Science and engineering

Bright Outlook — O*NET expects rapid growth for this occupation

Occupational Health and Safety Technicians pay

U.S. national figures, May 2025 BLS survey · How we got this number

Median pay

$61,560

a year

Hourly

$29.59

per hour

10th$46,280Median$61,56090th$100,160

The solid band is the middle 50% of workers; the bar spans the 10th to 90th percentile.

Average pay

$68,120

$32.75 per hour

Middle 50%

$52,470 – $78,850

25th to 75th percentile

Full spread

$46,280 – $100,160

10th to 90th percentile

People employed

30,590

nationwide

National U.S. figure, May 2025. Local pay can be higher or lower.

10th percentile: $46,280; $22.25/hr
25th percentile: $52,470; $25.22/hr
Median percentile: $61,560; $29.59/hr
75th percentile: $78,850; $37.91/hr
90th percentile: $100,160; $48.15/hr

What do occupational health and safety technicians do?

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.

The tasks that matter most day to day

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.

How to qualify for this work

Most people in this role hold bachelor's degree — 48% of workers surveyed reported it as their level of education.

Preparation level: zone 3 — Medium preparation needed

Education: Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.
Experience: Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations. For example, an electrician must have completed three or four years of apprenticeship or several years of vocational training, and often must have passed a licensing exam, in order to perform the job.
Training: Employees in these occupations usually need one or two years of training involving both on-the-job experience and informal training with experienced workers. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations.

See all zone 3 occupations →

Education reported by people doing this job

Bachelor's Degree48%
Associate's Degree or other 2-year degree19%
High School Diploma or the equivalent (such as a GED)10%
Some College Courses10%

Common questions

How much does an occupational health and safety technicians earn?

The national median is $61,560 a year. The full range runs from $46,280 at the 10th percentile to $100,160 at the 90th — entry pay sits closer to the lower figure, and experience, licensing and specialisation move you up the range.

Can you become an occupational health and safety technicians without a degree?

Yes — this occupation sits in preparation zone 3, meaning the typical entry route is most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree. A four-year degree is not the standard requirement, though licensing or certification may still apply.

Skills and knowledge you need

Core skills

Active Listening4.0/5
Reading Comprehension3.9/5
Speaking3.9/5
Critical Thinking3.9/5
Writing3.8/5
Monitoring3.3/5
Active Learning3.1/5

Knowledge areas

Education and Training4.1/5
English Language4.1/5
Public Safety and Security3.8/5
Law and Government3.7/5
Engineering and Technology3.7/5
Mathematics3.7/5
Administration and Management3.6/5
Customer and Personal Service3.4/5

Transferable strengths: Complex Problem Solving, Judgment and Decision Making, Social Perceptiveness.