Occupational Health and Safety Technicians
SOC Code: 19-5012.00
Life, Physical & Social ScienceOccupational Health and Safety Technicians support workplace safety efforts by collecting data on work environments, testing for hazards, and assisting safety specialists in implementing protective measures. Earning a median salary of $58,440, these technicians perform the essential hands-on field work that forms the foundation of effective workplace safety programs. They test air quality, measure noise levels, inspect equipment, and collect samples that specialists and industrial hygienists use to evaluate and improve workplace conditions.
Salary Overview
Median
$58,440
25th Percentile
$49,510
75th Percentile
$74,810
90th Percentile
$94,670
Salary Distribution
Job Outlook (2024–2034)
Growth Rate
+8.5%
New Openings
3,400
Outlook
Faster than average
Key Skills
Knowledge Areas
What They Do
- 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.
- 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.
- Recommend corrective measures to be applied based on results of environmental contaminant analyses.
Tools & Technology
★ = Hot Technology (in-demand)
Education Requirements
Typical entry-level education: Bachelor's Degree
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View all 11 →Careers with the highest skill compatibility from Occupational Health and Safety Technicians.
A Day in the Life
An Occupational Health and Safety Technician's typical day begins with calibrating monitoring equipment and reviewing the day's sampling and inspection schedule. They travel to various work areas within a facility to collect air samples, measure noise exposure levels, and test for the presence of hazardous substances including chemicals, mold, asbestos, and respirable dust. Using specialized instruments such as sound level meters, gas detectors, radiation monitors, and particulate samplers, they gather precise measurements that will be analyzed against regulatory exposure limits. They inspect workplace conditions including machine guarding, electrical safety, fire protection systems, and personal protective equipment compliance, documenting findings with photographs and written observations. Assisting in workplace investigations following incidents, they help collect evidence, photograph scenes, and interview witnesses to support root cause analysis. Training activities are part of the routine, including setting up and assisting with safety demonstrations, emergency drills, and new employee orientation sessions on safety topics. Sample preparation and submission to laboratories, along with data entry into safety management systems, rounds out daily activities. Technicians communicate their field observations to supervising safety specialists, flagging any conditions that require immediate corrective action.
Work Environment
Occupational Health and Safety Technicians spend the majority of their time in the field, working directly in the environments they are assessing and monitoring. Industrial facilities including manufacturing plants, chemical processing operations, and refineries are common workplaces where technicians collect samples and perform inspections. Construction sites present variable outdoor conditions and require technicians to navigate active work zones while wearing appropriate personal protective equipment. Laboratories employ technicians for indoor air quality assessments, chemical safety inspections, and equipment calibration in controlled environments. The work is physically active, involving walking extensively through facilities, climbing ladders, entering confined spaces, and carrying sampling equipment and instruments. Protective equipment including respirators, hearing protection, hard hats, and chemical-resistant clothing may be required depending on the hazards present. Some technicians travel frequently between multiple worksites, particularly those employed by consulting firms or corporations with geographically dispersed operations. Office time is spent organizing data, maintaining equipment, preparing sample shipments, and writing field observation reports. Weather exposure is unavoidable for technicians working on outdoor construction sites, in mining operations, or at agricultural facilities.
Career Path & Advancement
Entry into the Occupational Health and Safety Technician role typically requires an associate degree or certificate in occupational safety, environmental health technology, or a related technical field. Some technicians enter the field with a high school diploma combined with on-the-job training, particularly in industrial settings where employers provide structured training programs. Community colleges and technical schools offer two-year programs that cover industrial hygiene sampling, safety regulations, hazard recognition, and emergency response fundamentals. Certifications such as the Occupational Health and Safety Technologist from the Board of Certified Safety Professionals validate technical competence and improve advancement prospects. Entry-level technicians work under close supervision, gradually taking on more complex sampling assignments and independent inspection responsibilities as they gain experience. Many technicians pursue bachelor's degrees in occupational safety or environmental health while working, positioning themselves for advancement to safety specialist or industrial hygienist roles. With experience and additional education, technicians can advance to lead technician positions, field supervisors, or transition into specialized areas such as environmental compliance or emergency management. Some experienced technicians move into safety training coordinator roles or consulting positions that leverage their extensive field experience.
Specializations
Occupational Health and Safety Technicians can develop specialized expertise in several distinct areas of workplace health and safety assessment. Air quality monitoring technicians focus on sampling and measuring airborne contaminants including chemical vapors, particulate matter, and biological agents using sophisticated collection and analysis equipment. Noise and vibration assessment technicians specialize in conducting audiometric testing, sound level surveys, and vibration exposure measurements to evaluate and mitigate hearing loss and musculoskeletal hazard risks. Asbestos and lead inspection technicians perform building material surveys, bulk sampling, and air monitoring during abatement projects, requiring specific EPA and state certifications. Radiation safety technicians monitor ionizing and non-ionizing radiation exposure in healthcare, nuclear, and industrial settings using dosimetry and survey instruments. Fire safety technicians inspect fire protection systems, test alarm and suppression equipment, and assist with fire risk assessments. Environmental sampling technicians collect soil, water, and waste samples to assess environmental contamination and regulatory compliance. Ergonomics assessment technicians conduct workstation evaluations, task analyses, and physical demands assessments using observational tools and measurement techniques. Construction safety technicians perform site inspections, competent person duties, and hazard assessments specific to building and demolition operations.
Pros & Cons
Advantages
- ✓Accessible entry requirements with associate degree or certificate programs
- ✓Active fieldwork provides variety and prevents monotonous desk-bound routines
- ✓Meaningful contribution to protecting workers from hazards and preventing injuries
- ✓Clear advancement pathway to safety specialist roles with additional education
- ✓Stable demand across construction, manufacturing, and government sectors
- ✓Hands-on work with specialized monitoring instruments and sampling technology
- ✓Growing field driven by regulatory requirements and increasing safety awareness
Challenges
- ✗Median salary of $58,440 is moderate compared to specialist-level safety positions
- ✗Physical demands including climbing, confined space entry, and equipment carrying
- ✗Exposure to hazardous environments and substances during field sampling
- ✗Travel requirements can be frequent for consulting and multi-site positions
- ✗Outdoor work in extreme weather conditions on construction and industrial sites
- ✗Repetitive sampling and documentation tasks can become monotonous over time
- ✗Career ceiling without pursuit of bachelor's degree and professional certifications
Industry Insight
The occupational health and safety technician field is being transformed by advances in monitoring technology and data management systems that increase both the precision and efficiency of hazard assessments. Real-time exposure monitoring devices are replacing traditional time-weighted average sampling methods, providing immediate feedback on worker exposure levels and enabling faster corrective actions. Drone technology is being adopted for inspecting elevated structures, rooftops, and confined areas that were previously difficult or dangerous to access. Mobile applications and cloud-based safety management platforms are streamlining data collection, report generation, and compliance tracking. The growing awareness of indoor air quality concerns in commercial buildings and schools is creating new demand for technicians skilled in building environmental assessments. Regulatory agencies continue to update exposure limits and monitoring requirements, maintaining the need for technically skilled field personnel. The aging workforce in this field is creating replacement demand as experienced technicians retire, opening opportunities for new entrants. Environmental remediation projects including brownfield development and contaminated site cleanup provide steady employment for technicians with environmental sampling expertise. Climate-related workplace hazards including extreme heat conditions are introducing new monitoring and assessment requirements that expand the technician's role.
How to Break Into This Career
Starting a career as an Occupational Health and Safety Technician is accessible through several educational and experiential pathways. Enrolling in an associate degree or certificate program in occupational safety technology at a community college provides the foundational knowledge employers seek. Many programs include hands-on laboratory components where students learn to operate sampling equipment, calibrate instruments, and interpret monitoring data. Seeking internships or part-time positions at industrial facilities, environmental consulting firms, or government agencies provides practical experience that employers value highly. Obtaining OSHA 30-hour construction or general industry certifications demonstrates safety knowledge and commitment to the profession. First aid, CPR, and hazardous materials awareness training are additional credentials that strengthen entry-level applications. Military veterans with occupational health, environmental, or hazardous materials experience from their service bring directly applicable skills and training. Workers in construction, manufacturing, or laboratory settings can transition laterally by volunteering for safety committee participation and pursuing safety technician training. Networking through local chapters of safety professional organizations and attending industry safety conferences can connect aspiring technicians with mentors and employment opportunities.
Career Pivot Tips
Laboratory technicians from chemistry, biology, or environmental science backgrounds bring sample collection, instrument calibration, and data analysis skills that transfer directly to occupational health monitoring work. Construction workers and tradespeople transitioning into safety roles understand firsthand the hazards of job sites and bring practical knowledge of construction operations that enhances their inspection effectiveness. Military personnel with NBC defense, environmental health, or preventive medicine training possess sampling skills, equipment operation knowledge, and systematic assessment approaches that align with civilian safety technician duties. HVAC technicians bring understanding of building ventilation systems, air quality principles, and mechanical systems that is valuable for indoor environmental quality assessments. Emergency medical technicians and firefighters carry hazardous materials awareness, emergency response skills, and comfort operating in high-risk environments that serve them well in safety technician roles. Manufacturing production workers who pursue safety education understand industrial processes, equipment operations, and worker behavior patterns that inform effective hazard assessments. Water treatment operators bring sampling methodology, regulatory compliance knowledge, and quality control practices that parallel occupational health monitoring requirements. Any technically oriented professional who is detail-driven, comfortable with fieldwork, and committed to learning regulatory frameworks can successfully transition into this career with appropriate training.
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