Occupational Health and Safety Technician

Your Fit

Income

$58K

Preparation

Medium

Growth

10.1%

Definition
Your fit with this career
How much they earn
What they do
Job satisfaction
How to become

What is an Occupational Health and Safety Technician?

Occupational Health and Safety Technicians work to maintain and promote the health and safety of workers in various environments. They implement and monitor programs to ensure compliance with safety standards and government regulations.

Sample job titles:

Certified Industrial Hygienist (CIH), Construction Safety Consultant, Industrial Hygienist, Safety Specialist

Your test results

Why this fit score?

The fit report shows your areas of fit and misfit with Occupational Health and Safety Technician.

Fit report

Test scores

The scores report summarizes what we learned about you. It shows your results on everything measured in the career test.

Scores report

How much does an Occupational Health and Safety Technician earn

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, typical income (in USD) in 2024 was...

Bottom 10%	Bottom 25%	Median (average)	Top 25%	Top 10%
$41K per year	$50K per year	$58K per year	$75K per year	$95K per year

Compared to other careers: Median is $8.94K above the national average.

See income by country/state/province

What does an Occupational Health and Safety Technician do?

Work environment

These technicians are often employed in manufacturing plants, construction sites, hospitals, and corporate offices. Their work involves both field assessments in various work environments and office-based reporting and program development. They may interact with a wide range of employees, from factory workers to corporate management.

Quick task list

Inspects and evaluates workplace environments, equipment, and practices for compliance with safety standards.
Conducts training sessions on health and safety practices and regulations.
Investigates accidents and incidents to identify causes and prevent future occurrences.
Collects samples of hazardous materials for analysis.
Prepares reports and documentation of inspections and investigations.

See full list of tasks with expert relevance ratings

Areas of specialization

Industrial Safety: Focusing on the safety of workers in manufacturing and industrial settings.
Construction Safety: Specializing in safety practices on construction sites.
Environmental Health: Ensuring safe handling of hazardous materials and environmental compliance.
Ergonomics: Assessing workplaces to optimize worker comfort and efficiency and reduce strain.
Emergency Response: Preparing and implementing plans for emergency situations.

Description

Occupational Health and Safety Technicians play a crucial role in protecting the health and safety of workers and ensuring safe working conditions. They are instrumental in identifying hazards in the workplace and implementing safety measures to prevent accidents and injuries. Their work involves a mix of on-site evaluations and administrative tasks, such as data analysis and report writing.

Technicians must be knowledgeable about various federal, state, and local safety regulations and be able to communicate these effectively to employees and management. They also need to be skilled in identifying potential hazards, including chemical, physical, and biological risks.

This career is suitable for individuals who are detail-oriented, have strong problem-solving skills, and are passionate about promoting safety and health in the workplace. It offers the opportunity to work in various industries and directly impact the well-being of workers.

Job Satisfaction

Sources of satisfaction

Making a tangible difference in ensuring the safety and health of workers.
The variety in work settings and tasks.
Opportunities to interact with diverse groups of people.

You might make a good Occupational Health and Safety Technician if you are...

Interested in health and safety and enjoy problem-solving.
Detail-oriented and able to identify potential hazards.
A good communicator, capable of instructing and advising others.
Comfortable with both fieldwork and administrative tasks.
Interested in a career that involves a mix of indoor and outdoor work.

Pros:

Rewarding work in promoting and ensuring workplace safety.
Opportunities to work in a variety of industries.
Dynamic work environment with a balance of field and office work.

Cons:

Potential exposure to hazardous conditions or materials.
Responsibility for compliance with complex regulations.
Need to keep up-to-date with changing safety laws and standards.

How to become an Occupational Health and Safety Technician

Typical education

Most positions require an associate degree in occupational health, safety, or a related field, which typically involves 2 years of post-secondary education. Some roles may also require specific certifications in health and safety.

High school preparation

Courses:

Science courses, particularly chemistry and biology, to understand health and safety concepts.
Mathematics for data analysis and problem-solving.
Technical writing or English for report writing and documentation.

Extra-Curricular Activities:

Participating in health and safety clubs or programs.
Volunteering with emergency response teams or local health departments.
Engaging in workshops or certifications related to first aid and emergency preparedness.

Preparation after high school

Pursue an associate degree in occupational health and safety or a related field.
Gain experience through internships or entry-level positions in safety-related roles.
Obtain certifications such as OSHA 10/30-hour training, HAZWOPER, or first aid/CPR.
Stay informed about the latest trends and regulations in occupational health and safety.

More resources

Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) - Provides extensive resources on workplace safety standards and training.
Board of Certified Safety Professionals (BCSP) - Offers certification and career development resources for safety professionals.
American Society of Safety Professionals (ASSP) - A professional association providing education, advocacy, and networking for safety practitioners.
National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) - Offers research and guidelines on various aspects of occupational health and safety.

Similar careers

Similarity is based on what people in the careers do, what they know, and what they are called. The process of establishing similarity lists is described in this white paper.