Are you looking for a Safety Specialist position and want to know what salary you can expect? The average salary for a Safety Specialist ranges from $51,000 – $74,000 per year, depending on the experience. Learn more about how much Safety Specialists are compensated over the course of their career.
A safety specialist coordinates several aspects of the company’s safety program. This can include drug and alcohol testing, medical services and employee training. The responsibilities of a safety specialist vary depending on the size of the employer; larger companies will require more extensive duties than smaller ones.
Safety Specialist is a career with a bright, sunny outlook. You’ll be responsible for analyzing safety concerns, developing safety procedures and training coworkers. You’ll also make sure that equipment is safely operated and maintained as well as evaluating employee performance and compliance with standards.
Salary For Safety Specialist Overview
If you’re looking to become a safety specialist, you might be wondering what salary you can expect.
First of all, it’s important to know that there are different types of safety specialists. Some focus on health and safety in the workplace—for example, making sure that employees are wearing protective gear when they need it, making sure that equipment is safe for use, and so on. Others work in the transportation industry and make sure that planes, trains, and automobiles are safe for travel.
The type of job you choose will determine your salary as well as whether or not you need a degree. Entry-level salaries range from $40K to $50K per year if you have no experience but can get as high as $100K per year with experience. This can be higher if you have a degree related specifically to these fields or if your employer pays more than average wages in your area; however, most entry-level positions do not require any specific education beyond high school graduation (though some may require an associate’s degree).
What Is A Safety Specialist
Safety specialists are responsible for ensuring the conditions for a safe and accident-free workplace. They are employed to make sure regulations of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, OSHA for short, or any other specific set of safety policies applicable for a given location, are respected and followed.
They manage and monitor safety programs and evaluate safety practices set forth by their employer. They inform employees about regulations, collect data on safety matters, and create reports to present to management.
Generally, you need a bachelor’s degree to fill this role, topped up with hands-on experience in the field. You need to be aware of federal, state, and local protocols and safety procedures and know how to act quickly and calmly in emergency situations.
What Does a Safety Specialist Do
Occupational health and safety specialists analyze many types of work environments and work procedures. Specialists inspect workplaces for adherence to regulations on safety, health, and the environment. They also design programs to prevent disease or injury to workers and damage to the environment.
How To Become a Safety Specialist
Occupational health and safety specialists typically need a bachelor’s degree in occupational health and safety or in a related scientific or technical field.Education
Occupational health and safety specialists typically need a bachelor’s degree in occupational health and safety or in a related scientific or technical field, such as engineering, biology, or chemistry. For some positions, a master’s degree in industrial hygiene, health physics, or a related subject is required.
Typical courses include radiation science, hazardous material management and control, risk communications, and respiratory protection. These courses may vary with the specialty in which a student wants to work. For example, courses in health physics focus on topics that differ from those in industrial hygiene.
High school students interested in becoming occupational health and safety specialists should take courses in English, math, chemistry, biology, and physics.Important Qualities
Ability to use technology. Occupational health and safety specialists must be able to use advanced technology. They often work with complex testing equipment.
Communication skills. Occupational health and safety specialists must be able to communicate safety instructions and concerns to employees and managers. They need to be able to work with technicians to collect and test samples of possible hazards, such as dust or vapors, in the workplace.
Detail oriented. Occupational health and safety specialists need to understand and follow safety standards and complex government regulations.
Physical stamina. Occupational health and safety specialists must be able to stand for long periods and be able to travel regularly. Some specialists work in environments that can be uncomfortable, such as tunnels or mines.
Problem-solving skills. Occupational health and safety specialists must be able to solve problems in order to design and implement workplace processes and procedures that help protect workers from hazardous work conditions.Licenses, Certifications, and Registrations
Although certification is voluntary, many employers encourage it. Certification is available through several organizations, depending on the field in which the specialists work. Specialists must have graduated from an accredited educational program and have work experience to be eligible to take most certification exams. To keep their certification, specialists usually are required to complete periodic continuing education.
