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Fire safety director vs safety supervisor

The differences between fire safety directors and safety supervisors can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 2-4 years to become a fire safety director, becoming a safety supervisor takes usually requires 1-2 years. Additionally, a fire safety director has an average salary of $67,324, which is higher than the $65,392 average annual salary of a safety supervisor.

The top three skills for a fire safety director include customer service, emergency situations and NYC. The most important skills for a safety supervisor are OSHA, safety procedures, and safety program.

Fire safety director vs safety supervisor overview

Fire Safety DirectorSafety Supervisor
Yearly salary$67,324$65,392
Hourly rate$32.37$31.44
Growth rate6%4%
Number of jobs22,19316,481
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 30%Bachelor's Degree, 50%
Average age4942
Years of experience42

What does a fire safety director do?

A fire safety director is an executive professional who is responsible for developing and implementing fire safety plans that address fire safety systems to protect lives and properties. This director is required to conduct fire safety inspections of facilities and implement emergency evacuation strategies that are following the rules and regulations of the local fire department. The director must train fire wardens, fire brigade, and employees about the proper use of fire equipment and evacuation safety precautions. This fire safety director must also inspect fire extinguishers and provide instructions on the proper use of these extinguishers.

What does a safety supervisor do?

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.

Fire safety director vs safety supervisor salary

Fire safety directors and safety supervisors have different pay scales, as shown below.

Fire Safety DirectorSafety Supervisor
Average salary$67,324$65,392
Salary rangeBetween $46,000 And $98,000Between $43,000 And $98,000
Highest paying CityFresno, CABoston, MA
Highest paying stateAlaskaMassachusetts
Best paying companyThe Durst OrganizationCargill
Best paying industryHospitalityEnergy

Differences between fire safety director and safety supervisor education

There are a few differences between a fire safety director and a safety supervisor in terms of educational background:

Fire Safety DirectorSafety Supervisor
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 30%Bachelor's Degree, 50%
Most common majorCriminal JusticeBusiness
Most common college-Stanford University

Fire safety director vs safety supervisor demographics

Here are the differences between fire safety directors' and safety supervisors' demographics:

Fire Safety DirectorSafety Supervisor
Average age4942
Gender ratioMale, 89.2% Female, 10.8%Male, 83.8% Female, 16.2%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 5.8% Unknown, 7.4% Hispanic or Latino, 11.6% Asian, 1.2% White, 72.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 2.1%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 Percentage18%4%

Differences between fire safety director and safety supervisor duties and responsibilities

Fire safety director example responsibilities.

  • Develop and manage statistical and trending analysis in alignment with SMS principles.
  • Manage a new a program for the emergency response team plant wide.
  • Manage CCTV video surveillance operations and elevator controls.
  • Manage and implementation of safety/security systems to include CCTV.
  • Manage HSE programs for a national corporation specializing in concrete product manufacturing.
  • Follow basic FSD responsibilities including training fire wardens and fire brigade members.
  • Show more

Safety supervisor example responsibilities.

  • Manage financial oversight and budget management including financial modeling and analysis, new products, travel, tools, and scheduling.
  • Evaluate and maintain site compliance with all OSHA, EPA, local state, federal, and corporate guidelines.
  • Conduct TPM and SMED projects on complex automate equipment.
  • Teach and instruct first aid, CPR, a, safety awareness and babysitting.
  • Operate machinery - asphalt, laid pipe, operate a sweeper broom, and rollers.
  • Ensure compliance to OSHA, NFPA, ANSI, and other local, state and federal regulatory agencies.
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Fire safety director vs safety supervisor skills

Common fire safety director skills
  • Customer Service, 16%
  • Emergency Situations, 13%
  • NYC, 11%
  • Life Safety Systems, 9%
  • Building Evacuation, 6%
  • Fire Safety Plan, 4%
Common safety supervisor skills
  • OSHA, 12%
  • Safety Procedures, 8%
  • Safety Program, 4%
  • Safety Training, 4%
  • Safety Audits, 4%
  • Patrol, 4%

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