The following information is from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Occupational Health and Safety Specialists and Technicians. Please visit the website for a more comprehensive breakdown of the data.
LINKS TO OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH & SAFETY DIRECTORY PAGES
WHAT OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH & SAFETY TECHNICIANS DO
Occupational health and safety technicians collect data on and analyze many types of work environments and work procedures. They work with occupational specialists in conducting tests and measuring hazards to help prevent harm to workers, property, the environment, and the general public.
Job Duties
PAY
National Average Annual Pay (2019): $56,470
Top 5 States
1. Massachusetts
$74,310
2. Maryland
$72,000
3. Washington
$71,490
4. Rhode Island
$69,830
5. Georgia
$68,850
Bottom 5 States
50. Mississippi
$40,570
49. Kentucky
$45,320
48. South Dakota
$45,720
47. Oklahoma
$45,960
46. Florida
$46,030
STEPS TO BECOME AN OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH & SAFETY TECHNICIAN
To become an occupational health and safety technician, there are two options.
The first is to find a job and receive on-the-job training.
The second is to enroll in a program to provide you the training. You often will be able to earn an associate’s degree in occupational safety training at a community college. Courses will include information about respiratory protection, hazard communication, and material- handling or storage procedures.
Certification is not usually necessary to become an occupational health and safety technician but is instead voluntary. You can choose to pursue certification from the Board of Certified Safety Professionals or the American Board of Industrial Hygiene.
Option 1: Receive On-the-Job Training
Option 2: Attend a Post-Secondary Program
You can earn an associate’s degree in many programs. Employers may prefer to hire a technician who has earned a degree or certificate.
Earn Professional Certification
Get a Job as an Occupational Health & Safety Technician
Technicians usually receive on-the-job training, even if they earned a degree at a an occupational safety technician program.
Career Advancement: Occupational Health & Safety Specialist
Specialists need a bachelor’s degree in occupational health and safety or a related field. The national average annual wage for specialists is $76,290. The highest is in Rhode Island with an average of $91,070 per year, and the lowest is in South Carolina with an average of $61,910 per year.
QUALITIES OF OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH & SAFETY TECHNICIANS
Detail Oriented
Occupational health and safety specialists and technicians need to understand and follow safety standards and complex government regulations.
Ability to Use Technology
Occupational health and safety specialists and technicians must be able to use advanced technology. They often work with complex testing equipment.
Problem-Solving Skills
Occupational health and safety specialists and technicians must be able to solve problems in order to design and implement workplace processes and procedures that help protect workers from hazardous conditions.
Communication Skills
Occupational health and safety specialists and technicians must be able to communicate safety instructions and concerns to employees and managers. They frequently prepare written reports and prepare and deliver safety training to other workers.
Physical Stamina
Occupational health and safety specialists and technicians must be able to stand for long periods and be able to travel regularly. Some work in environments that can be uncomfortable, such as tunnels or mines.