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The differences between environmental safety specialists and safety supervisors can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 4-6 years to become an environmental safety specialist, becoming a safety supervisor takes usually requires 1-2 years. Additionally, a safety supervisor has an average salary of $65,392, which is higher than the $51,267 average annual salary of an environmental safety specialist.
The top three skills for an environmental safety specialist include OSHA, hazardous materials and corrective action. The most important skills for a safety supervisor are OSHA, safety procedures, and safety program.
| Environmental Safety Specialist | Safety Supervisor | |
| Yearly salary | $51,267 | $65,392 |
| Hourly rate | $24.65 | $31.44 |
| Growth rate | 6% | 4% |
| Number of jobs | 31,038 | 16,481 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 64% | Bachelor's Degree, 50% |
| Average age | 45 | 42 |
| Years of experience | 6 | 2 |
An environmental safety specialist is responsible for promoting environmental sustainability by ensuring that the production and manufacturing operations of an organization would not harm the environment's condition in any way. Environmental safety specialists monitor the safety and efficiency of the company's processes to minimize risks and hazards that may occur in the workplace. They also plan and facilitate safety training and programs for all employees to reiterate safety guidelines and regulations while within the premises.
A safety supervisor is responsible for monitoring the overall operations of a production, ensuring the safety and security of everyone, and enforcing strict regulations and protocols. Safety supervisors organize safety orientations and training for the workers, as well as reiterating disciplinary measures and policies and procedures during meetings. They inspect the workplace, including the maintenance of tools and equipment, immediately calling for repair for any defective items found. A safety supervisor also assists with the investigation of workplace hazards to prevent such complications in the future.
Environmental safety specialists and safety supervisors have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Environmental Safety Specialist | Safety Supervisor | |
| Average salary | $51,267 | $65,392 |
| Salary range | Between $36,000 And $72,000 | Between $43,000 And $98,000 |
| Highest paying City | Toledo, OH | Boston, MA |
| Highest paying state | Alaska | Massachusetts |
| Best paying company | Eli Lilly and Company | Cargill |
| Best paying industry | Energy | Energy |
There are a few differences between an environmental safety specialist and a safety supervisor in terms of educational background:
| Environmental Safety Specialist | Safety Supervisor | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 64% | Bachelor's Degree, 50% |
| Most common major | Occupational Safety And Health | Business |
| Most common college | Duke University | Stanford University |
Here are the differences between environmental safety specialists' and safety supervisors' demographics:
| Environmental Safety Specialist | Safety Supervisor | |
| Average age | 45 | 42 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 73.5% Female, 26.5% | Male, 83.8% Female, 16.2% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 10.2% Unknown, 6.2% Hispanic or Latino, 14.5% Asian, 5.7% White, 62.2% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.2% | Black or African American, 4.8% Unknown, 4.0% Hispanic or Latino, 11.8% Asian, 9.7% White, 69.6% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2% |
| LGBT Percentage | 7% | 4% |