Is Occupational Safety a Good Career?

You’ve got your whole career in front of you. But you’re trying to figure out what that might be.

One of your options is occupational safety. And if you’re looking for a career that values strong communication, observation, problem-solving, and helping others, you’re in the right place.

But is occupational safety a good career? Here’s what you need to know about the current market for EHS professionals.

Career Outlook

Employment for occupational health and safety technicians is projected to grow 7% between 2018 and 2028, faster than average for all occupations, while occupational health and safety specialists have a projected growth rate of 6% in the same period, which is average relative to other occupations.

As a rule, candidates entering the field will be more competitive if they:

• Have a background in sciences
• Experience in more than one area of health and safety
• A safety certification

Either way, you’ll earn good pay for your work. The median salary for safety professionals was $97,000 as of 2018.

Well-Paid and In-Demand

As a whole, the profession is well-paid and in high demand. A health and safety engineer will find themselves in one of the fastest-growing careers in the U.S.

But as a whole, occupational safety professionals are in a good position to enter the field, as a NIOSH study found that employers plan to hire almost 25,000 EHS professionals in the next five years, more than double the number of students projected to graduate from EHS programs in the next five years.

That said, awareness of the profession continues to increase, both among employers and potential candidates. Employers are increasingly realizing the value of occupational safety professionals for their bottom lines. In short, management is starting to realize that EHS professionals are value-added for their programs.

What to Know Before Starting Your Career

In summary, if you’re thinking of becoming an EHS professional, the field is wide open for quality candidates to make their impact. The key is knowing where to start making your impact.

Keep in mind that you’ll have higher earning potential if you can demonstrate specialization, which many professionals accomplish by gaining safety certifications and professional training. However, EHS professionals are increasingly competent in a variety of skills, so you should demonstrate an ability to wear multiple hats with ease.

Your resume should also demonstrate critical skills that pave the way for EHS success, such as analytical skills and communication skills. If your goal is to lead a safety department someday, leadership skills are a must.

Finding Your Path in Occupational Safety

If you’re trying to find your path in occupational safety, we’re here to help you find your way toward the career of your dreams. We offer comprehensive tools for health and safety professionals, whether you’re a brand-new professional trying to learn about your future career or you’re a seasoned professional looking to broaden your toolbox.

Make sure to check out our blog for more great tips to strengthen your appeal in occupational safety, like this post on how a master’s degree can boost your career or these key habits of successful EHS professionals.