Best degree programs for Occupational Health and Safety Technicians, ranked by enrollment
5 college programs and 120 schools train Occupational Health and Safety Technicians. Compare graduates per year, cost and pay, $61,560 median wage, 30,590 U.S. jobs. Federal data.
5 college programs at 120 schools train occupational health and safety technicians, graduating 1,841 people a year (IPEDS completions). The largest is Environmental Health. The job pays a median of $61,560 (BLS OEWS May 2025).
About occupational health and safety technicians
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.
Fields of study that lead to this job
Grouped at the 4-digit CIP level, the tier our program pages are built on. Numbers are graduates per year.
5 degree programs that lead to this job
Ranked by graduates per year (IPEDS completions). Graduate earnings and debt are College Scorecard figures for people who finished the program, reported at the 4-digit CIP level, so specializations within one field share a figure. That is a different measurement from the occupation-wide wages further down this page.
| # | Program | Graduates / yr | Share of pipeline | Schools | Grad earnings (1 yr) | Median debt |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | CIP 51.2202 | 1,306 | 70.9% | 88 | $36,762 | $25,076 |
| 2 | CIP 51.2206 | 300 | 16.3% | 27 | $36,762 | $25,076 |
| 3 | CIP 51.2213 | 104 | 5.6% | 9 | $36,762 | $25,076 |
| 4 | CIP 26.1006 | 69 | 3.7% | 12 | $39,202 | $18,000 |
| 5 | CIP 51.0916 | 62 | 3.4% | 5 | $53,520 | $20,250 |
Top 50 schools by graduates into this job
Counting every feeder program a school offers, not just its largest one.
| # | School | Graduates / yr | Top feeder program | Grad rate | Net price | Acceptance |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Johns Hopkins University Baltimore, MD Private not-for-profit · 3 feeder programs | 118 | Environmental Health | 94% | $11,888 | 6% |
| 2 | Brigham Young University - Idaho Rexburg, ID Private not-for-profit · 2 feeder programs | 92 | Occupational Health and Industrial Hygiene | 55% | $6,760 | 96% |
| 3 | University of Alabama at Birmingham Birmingham, AL Public · 2 feeder programs | 81 | Patient Safety and Healthcare Quality | 64% | — | 88% |
| 4 | Washington University in St Louis St. Louis, MO Private not-for-profit · 1 feeder programs | 68 | Environmental Health | 94% | $14,126 | 12% |
| 5 | Columbia University in the City of New York New York, NY Private not-for-profit · 1 feeder programs | 66 | Environmental Health | 96% | $15,315 | 4% |
| 6 | University of Washington - Seattle Campus Seattle, WA Public · 1 feeder programs | 66 | Environmental Health | 85% | — | 39% |
| 7 | Emory University Atlanta, GA Private not-for-profit · 1 feeder programs | 55 | Environmental Health | 91% | $20,586 | 11% |
| 8 | Montana Technological University Butte, MT Public · 1 feeder programs | 49 | Occupational Health and Industrial Hygiene | 58% | — | 91% |
| 9 | California State University - Northridge Northridge, CA Public · 1 feeder programs | 45 | Environmental Health | 57% | — | 93% |
| 10 | Cornell University Ithaca, NY Private not-for-profit · 1 feeder programs | 40 | Environmental Health | 95% | $17,613 | 9% |
| 11 | University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Chapel Hill, NC Public · 1 feeder programs | 39 | Environmental Health | 91% | — | 15% |
| 12 | Tulane University of Louisiana New Orleans, LA Private not-for-profit · 1 feeder programs | 37 | Environmental Health | 86% | $33,106 | 14% |
| 13 | University of Minnesota - Twin Cities Minneapolis, MN Public · 1 feeder programs | 33 | Environmental Health | 85% | — | 80% |
| 14 | Western Kentucky University Bowling Green, KY Public · 2 feeder programs | 33 | Environmental Health | 56% | — | 94% |
| 15 | University of Illinois Springfield Springfield, IL Public · 1 feeder programs | 32 | Environmental Health | 53% | — | 86% |
| 16 | Boston University Boston, MA Private not-for-profit · 1 feeder programs | 31 | Environmental Health | 89% | $21,956 | 11% |
| 17 | George Washington University Washington, DC Private not-for-profit · 1 feeder programs | 29 | Environmental Health | 84% | $29,789 | 47% |
| 18 | University of Maryland Global Campus Adelphi, MD Public · 1 feeder programs | 29 | Environmental Health | 33% | — | — |
| 19 | Ohio State University - Main Campus Columbus, OH Public · 1 feeder programs | 27 | Environmental Health | 88% | — | 61% |
| 20 | Texas A&M University - College Station College Station, TX Public · 2 feeder programs | 27 | Occupational Health and Industrial Hygiene | 84% | — | 57% |
| 21 | University of Central Oklahoma Edmond, OK Public · 1 feeder programs | 26 | Occupational Health and Industrial Hygiene | 37% | — | 78% |
| 22 | University of California - Berkeley Berkeley, CA Public · 2 feeder programs | 23 | Environmental Health | 93% | — | 11% |
| 23 | Illinois State University Normal, IL Public · 2 feeder programs | 22 | Occupational Health and Industrial Hygiene | 65% | — | 88% |
| 24 | Oakland University Rochester Hills, MI Public · 2 feeder programs | 22 | Environmental Health | 58% | — | 88% |
| 25 | University of California - Los Angeles Los Angeles, CA Public · 1 feeder programs | 22 | Environmental Health | 93% | — | 9% |
| 26 | University of Wisconsin - Whitewater Whitewater, WI Public · 1 feeder programs | 21 | Occupational Health and Industrial Hygiene | 59% | — | 86% |
| 27 | University of Puerto Rico - Medical Sciences San Juan, PR Public · 2 feeder programs | 20 | Environmental Health | — | — | — |
| 28 | Yale University New Haven, CT Private not-for-profit · 1 feeder programs | 20 | Environmental Health | 96% | $27,025 | 4% |
| 29 | East Carolina University Greenville, NC Public · 1 feeder programs | 19 | Environmental Health | 63% | — | 89% |
| 30 | Missouri Southern State University Joplin, MO Public · 1 feeder programs | 19 | Environmental Health | 42% | — | 97% |
| 31 | Ohio University - Main Campus Athens, OH Public · 2 feeder programs | 19 | Occupational Health and Industrial Hygiene | 65% | — | 85% |
| 32 | University of Michigan - Ann Arbor Ann Arbor, MI Public · 1 feeder programs | 19 | Environmental Health | 93% | — | 16% |
| 33 | University of Utah Salt Lake City, UT Public · 2 feeder programs | 19 | Occupational Health and Industrial Hygiene | 65% | — | 86% |
| 34 | Columbia Basin College Pasco, WA Public · 1 feeder programs | 18 | Radiation Protection/Health Physics Technician | 33% | — | — |
| 35 | Eastern Kentucky University Richmond, KY Public · 3 feeder programs | 18 | Environmental Health | 50% | — | 78% |
| 36 | Roane State Community College Harriman, TN Public · 1 feeder programs | 17 | Environmental Health | 36% | — | — |
| 37 | New York University New York, NY Private not-for-profit · 1 feeder programs | 16 | Environmental Health | 88% | $29,023 | 9% |
| 38 | University of Georgia Athens, GA Public · 1 feeder programs | 16 | Environmental Health | 90% | — | 38% |
| 39 | Indiana University - Indianapolis Indianapolis, IN Public · 1 feeder programs | 15 | Radiation Protection/Health Physics Technician | 54% | — | 76% |
| 40 | Aiken Technical College Graniteville, SC Public · 1 feeder programs | 14 | Radiation Protection/Health Physics Technician | 34% | — | — |
| 41 | The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston Houston, TX Public · 1 feeder programs | 14 | Environmental Health | — | — | — |
| 42 | College of Eastern Idaho Idaho Falls, ID Public · 1 feeder programs | 13 | Radiation Protection/Health Physics Technician | 39% | — | — |
| 43 | University of California - Davis Davis, CA Public · 1 feeder programs | 13 | Environmental Toxicology | 86% | — | 42% |
| 44 | CUNY Graduate School and University Center New York, NY Public · 1 feeder programs | 12 | Environmental Health | — | — | 68% |
| 45 | University of Iowa Iowa City, IA Public · 2 feeder programs | 12 | Environmental Health | 75% | — | 84% |
| 46 | University of Pittsburgh - Pittsburgh Campus Pittsburgh, PA Public · 1 feeder programs | 12 | Environmental Health | 85% | — | 58% |
| 47 | Baylor University Waco, TX Private not-for-profit · 1 feeder programs | 11 | Environmental Health | 80% | $35,682 | 51% |
| 48 | Central Michigan University Mount Pleasant, MI Public · 1 feeder programs | 11 | Environmental Health | 59% | — | 90% |
| 49 | Colorado State University - Fort Collins Fort Collins, CO Public · 1 feeder programs | 11 | Environmental Health | 67% | — | 89% |
| 50 | Columbus State Community College Columbus, OH Public · 1 feeder programs | 11 | Environmental Health | 28% | — | — |
What occupational health and safety technicians earn
What people already working in this job earn (BLS OEWS May 2025). Not graduate earnings.
Top-paying states
Top-paying metro areas
Job outlook
Bureau of Labor Statistics Employment Projections, 2024 to 2034.
Where the jobs are, state by state
Pick a state for in-state pay, the schools there, and the programs they run.
| State | Median pay | Jobs | Concentration | Schools | Graduates / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| New York | $69,640 | 1,410 | 0.74× | 10 | 153 |
| Marylandmoderate | $64,670 | 280 | 0.52× | 4 | 152 |
| California | $61,360 | 2,650 | 0.74× | 9 | 137 |
| Idaholimited | $60,670 | 240 | 1.41× | 2 | 105 |
| Alabamamoderate | $55,010 | 880 | 2.11× | 3 | 91 |
| Missourimoderate | $64,490 | 270 | 0.46× | 3 | 90 |
| Washingtonlimited | $104,910 | 570 | 0.81× | 2 | 84 |
| Ohio | $65,000 | 1,310 | 1.20× | 6 | 81 |
| Georgiamoderate | $63,290 | 1,210 | 1.26× | 3 | 79 |
| Texas | $57,980 | 4,420 | 1.60× | 6 | 74 |
| North Carolinamoderate | $61,760 | 720 | 0.74× | 4 | 73 |
| Illinoismoderate | $65,960 | 1,790 | 1.49× | 4 | 61 |
| Michigan | $67,310 | 450 | 0.52× | 5 | 56 |
| Kentuckymoderate | $61,120 | 650 | 1.65× | 3 | 55 |
| Montanalimited | $41,420 | 60 | 0.63× | 2 | 53 |
| Massachusettsmoderate | $68,730 | 290 | 0.41× | 4 | 51 |
| Pennsylvania | $61,640 | 1,020 | 0.85× | 6 | 43 |
| Louisianalimited | $57,930 | 780 | 2.05× | 2 | 40 |
| Connecticutmoderate | $68,310 | 130 | 0.39× | 3 | 33 |
| Minnesotalimited | $74,400 | 270 | 0.47× | 1 | 33 |
| Oklahomamoderate | $56,470 | 370 | 1.10× | 3 | 31 |
| Wisconsinmoderate | $64,440 | 640 | 1.11× | 3 | 31 |
| Utahlimited | $57,340 | 280 | 0.82× | 2 | 27 |
| Indianamoderate | $60,150 | 1,660 | 2.64× | 4 | 25 |
| South Carolinamoderate | $58,490 | 420 | 0.94× | 3 | 22 |
| Tennesseelimited | $55,090 | 310 | 0.47× | 2 | 20 |
| Coloradolimited | $73,110 | 400 | 0.71× | 2 | 18 |
| Iowalimited | $58,300 | 290 | 0.93× | 2 | 15 |
| Virginialimited | $62,380 | 840 | 1.04× | 2 | 10 |
| Floridalimited | $59,140 | 1,000 | 0.51× | 1 | 9 |
| Mainelimited | $64,240 | 140 | 1.09× | 2 | 9 |
| Oregonlimited | $65,000 | 230 | 0.60× | 1 | 6 |
| Arkansaslimited | $50,840 | 510 | 2.01× | 2 | 5 |
| Arizonalimited | $65,480 | 440 | 0.69× | 1 | 5 |
| New Jerseylimited | $66,930 | 270 | 0.33× | 1 | 5 |
| Nebraskalimited | $59,180 | 200 | 1.02× | 1 | 2 |
| West Virginialimited | $81,470 | 320 | 2.32× | 1 | 2 |
| Alaskalimited | $80,760 | 140 | 2.15× | 1 | 1 |
Skills and tools
From O*NET, the U.S. Department of Labor's occupational database. Importance is a 1 to 5 scale.
What they do 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.
Skills
- Active Listening4.0
- Reading Comprehension3.9
- Critical Thinking3.9
- Speaking3.9
- Writing3.8
- Monitoring3.3
- Active Learning3.1
- Learning Strategies3.0
Knowledge areas
- Education and Training4.1
- English Language4.1
- Public Safety and Security3.8
- Law and Government3.7
- Engineering and Technology3.7
- Mathematics3.7
Abilities
- Problem Sensitivity3.9
- Oral Comprehension3.9
- Oral Expression3.9
- Deductive Reasoning3.9
- Inductive Reasoning3.9
- Written Comprehension3.9
Core activities
- Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards4.6
- Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates4.6
- Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events4.3
- Getting Information4.3
- Documenting/Recording Information4.2
- Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings4.2
Tools and technology
hotmarks an O*NET hot technologyHow to get in
How to become a Occupational Health
Job zone 3 of 5 · SVP 6.0 to < 7.0- Typical entry education
- High school diploma or equivalent
- On-the-job training
- Moderate-term on-the-job training
Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.
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.
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.
Every major mapped to this job
The official federal mapping behind the rankings above.
All 6 majors mapped to Occupational Health and Safety Technicians5 of them graduated someone in the latest IPEDS year. NCES CIP 2020 → SOC 2018 crosswalk.+
- 15.0705Process Safety Technology/Technician(no graduates reported)
- 26.1006Environmental Toxicology
- 51.0916Radiation Protection/Health Physics Technician
- 51.2202Environmental Health
- 51.2206Occupational Health and Industrial Hygiene
- 51.2213Patient Safety and Healthcare Quality
Related careers
Jobs O*NET identifies as close to this one, with their own pay and outlook.
Common questions
What degree do you need to become an Occupational Health?+
High school diploma or equivalent is the typical entry-level education BLS reports for this occupation. The most common program people actually graduate from is Environmental Health, which awarded 1,306 degrees in 2024-25, 70.9% of everyone graduating from a program that feeds this career.
Which college majors lead to becoming an Occupational Health?+
The NCES CIP-to-SOC crosswalk maps 5 programs to this occupation. The largest are Public Health, Pharmacology and Toxicology, Allied Health Diagnostic. Together they graduate about 1,841 people a year.
How much do occupational health and safety technicians earn?+
The median is $61,560 a year (BLS OEWS May 2025). The middle range runs from $46,280 at the 10th percentile to $100,160 at the 90th. This is pay for people already working in the occupation, not the same thing as graduate earnings one year after finishing a degree.
Is demand for occupational health and safety technicians growing?+
BLS projects a +8.5% change in employment between 2024 and 2034, much faster than average, with roughly 3,400 openings a year nationally once retirements and job changes are counted.
How many schools offer programs for this career?+
120 institutions reported graduates from at least one of the 5 programs that feed this occupation in IPEDS 2024-25. Rankings on this page use graduates per year, because the federal data publishes no enrollment count by program.
What other job titles do occupational health and safety technicians work under?+
Employers advertise this work under many names. O*NET records Safety Specialist, Industrial Hygienist, Construction Safety Consultant, Certified Industrial Hygienist (CIH) among the most commonly reported, all mapping to SOC 19-5012.
About the data on this page
Rankings use IPEDS completions 2024-25, degrees awarded per year. That is the closest federal measure of how many people a program puts into a career, because no federal dataset publishes enrollment by program. Wages and employment come from BLS OEWS May 2025, growth and openings from BLS Employment Projections 2024-34, and which majors lead to which jobs from the NCES CIP 2020 to SOC 2018 crosswalk. Occupation descriptions, tasks, skills and tools are O*NET 30.3 (CC BY 4.0, U.S. Department of Labor/ETA).
BLS Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics
May 2025Wages, employment counts, location quotients and metro breakdowns.
BLS Employment Projections
2024–34Projected growth, annual openings and typical entry-level education.
IPEDS Completions
2024-25 (provisional)Graduates per year by program and institution — the ranking metric.
College Scorecard, Field of Study
2020-21 cohortsMedian graduate earnings one year after completion, and median debt.
Census Post-Secondary Employment Outcomes
latest availableGraduate earnings 1/5/10 years out, where the state participates.
NCES CIP 2020 and the CIP-to-SOC 2018 crosswalk
CIP 2020 / SOC 2018Which college programs officially lead to this occupation.
O*NET Database 30.3
30.3Tasks, skills, knowledge, tools, job zone and alternate job titles.
Official source →CC BY 4.0, U.S. Department of Labor / ETA
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