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Job outlook for safety specialists in the United States
Safety specialist job growth summary. After extensive research, interviews, and analysis, Zippia's data science team found that:
The projected safety specialist job growth rate is 6% from 2018-2028.
About 7,500 new jobs for safety specialists are projected over the next decade.
Safety specialist salaries have increased -15% for safety specialists in the last 5 years.
There are over 33,595 safety specialists currently employed in the United States.
There are 16,355 active safety specialist job openings in the US.
The average safety specialist salary is $57,905.
Are safety specialist jobs in demand?
Safety Specialist job and salary trends over time
Safety Specialist jobs over time
Safety Specialist job growth rate over time
| Year | # Of Jobs | % Of Population |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 33,595 | 0.01% |
| 2020 | 34,932 | 0.01% |
| 2019 | 37,988 | 0.01% |
| 2018 | 88,658 | 0.03% |
| 2017 | 83,559 | 0.03% |
Average safety specialist salary over time
Safety Specialist salary by year
| Year | Avg. Salary | Hourly Rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $57,905 | $27.84 | +3.6% |
| 2024 | $55,895 | $26.87 | --20.3% |
| 2023 | $70,102 | $33.70 | +1.7% |
| 2022 | $68,911 | $33.13 | +1.2% |
| 2021 | $68,086 | $32.73 | +1.0% |
Safety Specialist jobs by state
Most common states for safety specialists
| Rank | State | Population | # of Jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | District of Columbia | 693,972 | 124 | 18% |
| 2 | Iowa | 3,145,711 | 357 | 11% |
| 3 | Delaware | 961,939 | 86 | 9% |
| 4 | Alaska | 739,795 | 68 | 9% |
| 5 | Wyoming | 579,315 | 50 | 9% |
| 6 | North Dakota | 755,393 | 62 | 8% |
| 7 | Vermont | 623,657 | 47 | 8% |
| 8 | Georgia | 10,429,379 | 769 | 7% |
| 9 | Virginia | 8,470,020 | 614 | 7% |
| 10 | Massachusetts | 6,859,819 | 510 | 7% |
| 11 | Maryland | 6,052,177 | 401 | 7% |
| 12 | Alabama | 4,874,747 | 349 | 7% |
| 13 | Nebraska | 1,920,076 | 137 | 7% |
| 14 | Idaho | 1,716,943 | 118 | 7% |
| 15 | New Hampshire | 1,342,795 | 92 | 7% |
| 16 | Pennsylvania | 12,805,537 | 715 | 6% |
| 17 | Washington | 7,405,743 | 411 | 6% |
| 18 | Oregon | 4,142,776 | 259 | 6% |
| 19 | Connecticut | 3,588,184 | 204 | 6% |
| 20 | Rhode Island | 1,059,639 | 66 | 6% |
Most common cities for safety specialists
| Rank | City | # of Jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl | Avg. Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Atascocita | 3 | 5% | $49,279 |
| 2 | Albany | 4 | 4% | $65,309 |
| 3 | Cambridge | 3 | 3% | $71,573 |
| 4 | Pasadena | 3 | 2% | $49,335 |
| 5 | Boston | 5 | 1% | $71,647 |
| 6 | Miami | 4 | 1% | $38,607 |
| 7 | Washington | 4 | 1% | $71,267 |
| 8 | New Orleans | 3 | 1% | $47,237 |
| 9 | Phoenix | 7 | 0% | $44,647 |
| 10 | San Diego | 5 | 0% | $57,157 |
| 11 | Houston | 4 | 0% | $49,360 |
| 12 | Indianapolis | 4 | 0% | $47,713 |
| 13 | San Francisco | 4 | 0% | $68,679 |
| 14 | San Jose | 4 | 0% | $68,084 |
| 15 | Detroit | 3 | 0% | $57,483 |
Safety Specialist job outlook: Expert opinions
Our panel of safety specialist experts
Southeastern Oklahoma State University
Ohio Wesleyan University
Calvin University
Indiana University of Pennsylvania
University of Akron
University of Central Missouri
Southeastern Louisiana University
La Salle University
California State University - Los Angeles
University of New England, College of Graduate & Professional Studies
University of California - Los Angeles
Belmont University
Bowling Green State University
Arizona State University
Arizona State University
San Jose State University
NIOSH
IADLEST Member - International Association of Directors of Law Enforcement Standards and Training
NMSU/Dona Ana Community College
What general advice would you give to a Safety Specialist?
Andy Perry MS, CSP: It is recommended that students seek different internships with a variety of employers, and possibly varied industries, leading up to graduation. Although ISU’s Safety Management program requires one 300-hour internship for graduation, accepting two or three during the undergraduate program provides experience, income, and looks more appealing to employers. Attending local, regional, and national safety conferences, professional development courses, and seeking professional designations and certifications is also helpful to new safety professionals. Conference and courses will better their knowledge about their field, but also allow networking with other safety professionals. New graduates of ISU’s Safety Management program may apply for the Board of Certified Safety Professional’s (BCSP’s) Graduate Safety Practitioner (GSP) designation. The GSP allows them to bypass taking the Associate Safety Professional (ASP) exam as well as saving them the time and money to study/prepare for that exam. The GSP and ASP are a step on the way to the Certified Safety Professional (CSP) credential which is viewed as the gold standard for safety professionals. ISU Safey Management graduates also may apply for the Associate Safety & Health Manager (ASHM) credential through the Institute of Hazardous Materials Management (IHMM). There is also a Student version (ST-ASHM) they may apply for prior to graduation. The ASHM is a step on the way to the Certified Safety & Health Manager (CSHM) credential.
What Safety Specialist skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Andy Perry MS, CSP: People skills are underrated and overlooked. Being approachable and knowing how to approach others, especially for difficult situations involving occupational safety and health exposure hazards, will go a long way to make things easier. The use of newer technologies, such as artificial intelligence (AI), in the workplace and on job sites will benefit, as well as challenge, safety professionals in the coming years. The more training and experience with new technologies such as AI, virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), etc. will benefit safety professionals so they understand their uses and limitations to help prevent injuries and illnesses.
What will help Safety Specialists increase their earning potential?
Andy Perry MS, CSP: Ask lots of questions. There are no dumb questions. Tell people when you don’t know the answer. You can always look it up later and get back to them. Guessing or misremembering can cause problems down the road. Document any recommendations made to your employer to keep a record of things for future reference.
What general advice would you give to a Safety Specialist?
Dr. Nick Nichols Professor: Obtain as many certifications as you can. Certified Safety Professionals (CSPs) are certainly in demand, but other certifications such as first responder training, confined space training, OSHA General Industry, Construction Safety and Recordkeeping certifications will make entrants more marketable to potential employers. It will also make them more flexible if they should decide to seek out new opportunities in the field. Additionally, the ability to speak fluid Spanish is more and more becoming a job requirement for many employers. As I often tell many of my advisees, "if you decide to learn the Spanish language, you will enhance your opportunities for competitive positions and salaries almost exponentially."
What Safety Specialist skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Dr. Nick Nichols Professor: In my opinion, in the field of Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) the first and foremost skill that both entry-level and veteran workers in the field must cultivate is the ability to get along well with people. ALL TYPES of people. From the most reluctant to participate in safety, to the most eager. Regardless of what area of the field OSH professionals choose, at some point they must deal with multiple types of personalities. Be flexible, sharpen your soft skills, and be prepared to face both negative and positive attitudes toward the field with the utmost professionalism. Beyond that, the rise of technology and social media in the field can't be ignored. From the use of drones to conduct safety inspections (both at the federal government and corporate levels) to the need to network via social media with other safety professionals, organizations, and governmental entities, entrants into the field must be technically proficient interacting with technology all along this spectrum. Additionally, proficiency with these types of technologies will enable them to successfully utilize the ever-evolving equipment a safety professional must utilize to perform the practical work they must complete effectively in the field on a regular basis.
What will help Safety Specialists increase their earning potential?
Dr. Nick Nichols Professor: Don't let salary be your only guide. Choose an area of the field that you are most interested in, and that will provide you with a positive atmosphere for growth and protecting employees (our overriding goal). The bonuses, promotions and other perks will come eventually, due to the passion you exhibit for what you do. Conversely, if you find yourself in a "bait and switch" situation (a negative motivational environment), be prepared to "warm up your resume."
What general advice would you give to a Safety Specialist?
Dr. Christopher Fink PhD: Really be open to new experiences and building networks. Public health is a broad field that a public health orientation is important in almost every aspect of life. The question *how can this project or policy be enhanced to make our community healthier* is relevant in almost every aspect of the working world.
What Safety Specialist skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Dr. Christopher Fink PhD: I think that being a capacity builder (getting buy-in and engagement from various sectors) and a good understanding of how the interplay between people, the environment, and the animal world affect human health will be key. We call this concept One Health. Climate change will have a dramatic impact on public health in a range of ways, from natural disasters and air/water/food safety to changes in infectious disease dynamics. I would encourage public health students to have the science background to work in environmental health if they can - there are a multitude of ways that this background can be helpful. Also, a continued focus on health equity will be critical - that is - *everyone* having a fair chance to attain optimal health, particularly communities that have been historically marginalized and underserved. Language and cultural competency training that is relevant to whichever of these communities is most prevalent in the region is important.
Toluwani Adekunle
Calvin University
Public Health
What Safety Specialist skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Toluwani Adekunle: Expert knowledge is necessary, albeit not sufficient. Skills that would be important for a
thriving Public Health workforce in the next 3-5 years may be categorized into soft and hard
skills. The soft skills would include the ability to engage in systems thinking using ecological
theories and models to conceptualize of health disparities/inequities and the burden of
disease; communication skills in order to get across cumbersome information in digestible
and trustworthy nuggets to the general public, listening to and understanding the needs of
varying populations from differing cultural and language backgrounds, and persuading
policy makers to implement the changes that would improve the health of the populace,
amongst others); building trust with the general population, and especially populations that
have been disenfranchised for decades; managing the very limited resources needed to
create sustainable changes; and tackling the impacts of racial and ethnic discrimination as a
determinant of health outcomes. Meanwhile, the hard skills will include data
analysis/analytics (qualitative and quantitative) that can drive research; using Artificial
Intelligence to increase the efficiency of Public Health work and bridge gaps in health
outcomes; using Social Media effectively for communication and branding trustworthy
Public Health Systems; effective writing for dissemination in all media include academic,
peer-reviewed, and general public consumption; community engagement, public speaking
for engaging in advocacy and sustainable change; and competency in most, if not all
spectrum of research (e.g., research conceptualization, implementation, analysis of
findings, etc.).
Tracey Cekada
Chairperson and Professor, Safety Sciences DepartmentIndiana University of Pennsylvania
Quality Control And Safety Technologies/Technicians
What general advice would you give to a Safety Specialist?
Tracey Cekada: The soft skills continue to be paramount to success in occupational safety and health. Developing your communication skills, leadership skills, problem-solving skills, and organizational skills (such as the ability to multi-task) are vital. Additionally, with the increase in the number of Hispanic and Latino workers in the workplace, and their higher workplace fatality rate than other groups, being able to speak Spanish will be a key skill to possess.
What Safety Specialist skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Tracey Cekada: There are a number of things you can do to increase your earning potential when starting your career. Research through the Bureau of Labor Statistics and other resources what the state and national average salaries are for your industry. Come prepared to the negotiating table too- be able to highlight what you can offer the company. Additionally, the value that conducting co-ops and internships can provide to you when in school is invaluable. These real-world experiences not only develop your skills, but they help you to form connections that could last a lifetime. All students should be taking advantage of these opportunities.
What will help Safety Specialists increase their earning potential?
Tracey Cekada: I would offer two words of advice- be willing to travel and get involved. All too often we see students that are unwilling to leave their area in their first years after graduation. This limits their opportunities and their earning potential. If they are willing to relocate, even for a few years to gain experience, this can help to propel them up the career ladder much faster. Secondly, the importance of getting involved cannot be understated. Making connections through organizations like ASSP, NSC, and AIHA are invaluable.
What general advice would you give to a Safety Specialist?
Kim Trowbridge: Public health has several core competencies that are cross cutting for most public health fields and can be used in fields outside of public health such as data analysis, health science, assessment, and evaluation, program development, communication, health equity, developing partnerships, management of finances, and leadership. I would advise students to use the core competencies that they've learned during job interviews, within cover letters, and list the ones they are competent in on their resumes with examples of professional practices. I would also advise them to be open-minded and apply for many different types of positions in many different public health fields. Public health spans across community health, school health, diversity, equity, and inclusion, legal health, public policy and advocacy, safety, nutrition, environmental, medical, marketing and technology, research and biostatistics, occupational health and more. Keeping an open mind and availability to different public health fields will increase their chances of working in diverse settings and with diverse populations.
Wesley Tinker
Assistant Professor of SafetyUniversity of Central Missouri
Safety Sciences
What general advice would you give to a Safety Specialist?
Wesley Tinker: - The day-to-day duties of a Safety Professional depend on the industry they currently work in but also the level of tenure they have in the organization. There is a long list of duties but the following allow for a broad sweep across an average day. The schedule of a typical workday could start with a toolbox talk which allows for a brief 'heads-up' to a vast array of safety-related topics or issues that workers have the possibility of seeing on-site. Field audits would be another crucial duty to examine the site for new safety-related issues and to monitor controls set on previously identified hazards. Conducting pieces of training for new workers and/or updates on safety-related issues on their site. Accident investigations are one of the random unexpected duties a Safety Professional might conduct, which is important in the prevention of future injuries and illnesses. Providing good customer service toward the workers and management but also the organization's vendors is critical for nearly all aspects of that company. Customer service is closely connected to the culture of the company as the majority of industry leaders provide a 'Safety First' environment. Overall, the Safety Professional provides many attributes to the day-to-day functions of many organizations. These attributes directly impact that company's stance in the overall global marketplace.
What Safety Specialist skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Wesley Tinker: - In today's marketplace, the need for Safety Professionals is at an all-time high. With the ever-evolving methods and equipment across all industries, safety-related positions are being instituted to keep up with the introduction of the risks associated with the evolvement. Safety professionals impact the four quadrants of risk management involving finances, strategy, operations, and of course hazards. In previous years, the persona of duties associated with the Safety professional only impacted the hazards element but nowadays we can see how impactful they are on all four of those quadrants. With this level of involvement in the organization, the justification for a higher salary is made. Safety Professionals typically enter the field because they want to prevent people from becoming injured and/or ill but also the volume of positions along with the higher payscale than most 'fresh out of college' professions, allows for more opportunities.
What will help Safety Specialists increase their earning potential?
Wesley Tinker: - Most dislikes are typically initial as they are mostly during the time needed to adapt to the organizational structure and procedures. Desensitization to certain aspects such as public speaking and conflict resolution is needed, as those skills will assist them heavily in their future in safety. Another dislike could be the individual not enjoying the development of safety loss control programs, but these documents are the backbone to which they enforce compliance and explain all elements related to worker and infrastructure safety. - There are many more 'likes' associated with being in safety than 'dislikes'. Safety Professionals can expect a very rewarding career personally, financially, and professionally as they typically enjoy a great work/life balance, maintaining a lucrative career which the majority of organizations start them at salaries ranging from $70,000 to $95,000, and several developmental aspects associated with being an active Safety Professional.
Jared Reno
Undergraduate Coordinator of The Industrial and Engineering Technology DepartmentSoutheastern Louisiana University
Industrial and Engineering Technology
What hard/technical skills are most important for Safety Specialists?
Jared Reno: The most important technical skills someone needs to know is:
-One, how to read blueprints and professionally drafted plans. Our industry partners have told us that print reading is a must for all internships and part-time and full-time positions. It is expected that a college graduate of a technical field knows how to read plans
-Basic computer skills using Spreadsheets and Document formats such as Microsoft Word and Excel or Google Docs and Google Sheets. This is crucial for working in any industry but especially Engineering or Industrial practices. These are used to make procedures for safety and production. They are used to evaluate data that has been collected. They are used for organizing information for customers, employees, and manufacturers. The more you know about these programs, the easier your work life will be.
-Basic project management skills are also crucial. Even if you are not the "project manager," you need to have some skills. You need to know how to prioritize more important tasks, you need to know how to manage your time wisely, you need to know how to communicate with multiple people or groups of people.
What soft skills should all Safety Specialists possess?
Jared Reno: In industrial and engineering technologies, I believe that the most important soft skill is critical thinking skills like designing aptitudes to fit specific needs, innovating using the resources available to your company, troubleshooting problems in equipment, logistics, and interpersonal disputes. This industry is all about solving problems in new and creative ways, and that is why I think critical thinking skills are the most important.
What skills will help Safety Specialists earn the most?
Jared Reno: Right now, we are seeing an outstanding demand for certified welding inspectors and supervisors. This is due to a huge age gap of experience, and none experienced workers. The average age of a welding inspector or supervisor is 64 years old. That means we are about to see a huge decline because these workers will be retiring.
-With that being said, experience is the key factor for improving your paycheck in this industry. The students who do the best throughout their lives started doing internships early in their college careers. This gave them relevant work experience plus a 4-year degree. This made them more desirable for companies, and so they got put into better positions before all the other graduates allowing them more opportunities to grow.
-One last thing that can help you earn more is to never stop your learning. Continue learning about your trade and continue to get certifications after graduating. The more credentials you have, the more desirable you are. Develop a thirst for knowledge and learning. It will help you in your career and in your life.
Dr. Daniel Rodriguez Ph.D.
Professor of Public HealthLa Salle University
Department of Urban Public Health and Nutrition
What skills will help Safety Specialists earn the most?
Dr. Daniel Rodriguez Ph.D.: In my experience, it's data analysis. Students can earn money doing simple jobs like tutoring statistics for fellow students while still in school. They can also earn a great deal of money consulting for researchers, pharmaceuticals, and other industries in which data analysis skills are necessary. Most students I've worked with who took an interest in learning data analysis skills are now consulting and making a very good income.
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Safety Specialists?
Kimberly Kisler Pisca MPH, PhD: COVID-19 has brought to light the many disparities that exist within health and healthcare. Public health professionals have always worked to address and ultimately reduce health disparities. Until these health disparities are ameliorated, there will be jobs in public health. Further, the need to design and implement culturally responsive programs, disseminate tailored health promotion materials, and connect people to resources has never been greater. Graduates of public health are entering a workforce that is in high need of their skills and expertise, particularly to address the impact of COVID-19, and that need is here to stay.
What technical skills for a Safety Specialist stand out to employers?
Tracey Spinato: I hear a lot of employers speak to the need for professionals who are strong in both written and verbal communication. While communication is critical to all public health fields, it's particularly important when it comes to those working in epidemiology, research, and data--we need public health professionals who can take that information and communicate the findings in a way that is accessible and effective. Writing is also critical to securing grants, so as we see more funding channeled towards public health, those with strong writing skills will be a tremendous asset to any public health organization. There is also a need for professionals who understand health policy--the pandemic has highlighted the need for policies that advocate for public health infrastructure, community health, prevention services, environmental health, and emergency management. Other than that, it's important that public health professionals stay up to date on new technology, statistical software, and social media marketing and communication.
Kristy Sherrer
DirectorUniversity of California - Los Angeles
Career & Professional Development Office, Fielding School of Public Health
What certifications/licenses/courses can have the biggest impact for Safety Specialists?
Kristy Sherrer: There is now a glaring global spotlight on public health and hopefully, this also illuminates the value of a robust, well-funded public health workforce. Many of our public health graduates are working in the center of the national response to COVID-19 and their skillsets in data analysis, research and evaluation, epidemiology, scientific communication skills, and both quantitative and qualitative research methods are more valuable than ever in understanding the spread and eradication of COVID-19.
Christian Williams DrPH, MPH
Director and Assistant Professor of Public HealthBelmont University
Public Health Program
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Safety Specialists?
Christian Williams DrPH, MPH: While I think it is still too soon to tell what type of impact the COVID-19 pandemic will have on future graduates, I do believe it will change the way we approach public health for the foreseeable future. The pandemic has brought new attention to the need for enhanced surveillance systems, disease control, and vaccine planning and distribution. Graduates will need to be well versed in epidemiology, data analysis, and how to communicate data to a variety of audiences and stakeholders. Remote work will continue as a necessity for quite some time, and after the pandemic, become the norm as agencies realize they can maintain the same level of productivity without the overhead costs of office space. The pandemic has also brought a shift in the use of technology especially in regard to telemedicine and telehealth capabilities. An increased focus on data interoperability, dashboards, patient apps, and data sharing will also be necessary as we move forward. COVID-19 has further highlighted systemic health and social inequalities facing racial and ethnic minorities in the United States. Graduates should be prepared to address these issues from both a policy and community standpoint. In summary, public health graduates will likely find it necessary to be adaptable to a variety of situations as we continue to see the effects of the pandemic unfold.
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Safety Specialist job market given the pandemic?
Dr. Bradley Fevrier Ph.D.: Remote work will be the biggest mover in terms of trending. Public health as a field of study has been constantly evolving and given the current pandemic that is only going to continue. Proficiency in emergency/crisis management, epidemiology (qualitative and quantitative science) and anything telehealth related will see an increase in interest. Also, given the variability in understanding of the current health impacts of COVID-19, areas like data science, bioinformatics, and biostatistics will see upward mobility.
Are there any particularly good places in the United States for Safety Specialists to find work opportunities?
Elizabeth Kizer DrPH, MS: -Rural communities
-Places where you grew up (city/town/state/etc.), going back to your community to build the relationship between the public health field and community. Sharing common ground and relatedness. (this ties to funding the job opportunities in all/many places - people go where the jobs are!)
-Non-profit organizations
-Consider looking at city and government websites for job openings that describe working to preserve the city's health and safety. Employers won't list some jobs with apparent public health or population health titles; focusing on the job posting details is critical. The scope of public health is broad: environmental health, parks and recreation safety, epidemiology, emergency preparedness, logistical operations for COVID testing sites, food safety, health information communication. A public health job could be internal operations, communication and administrative work or front line with the community or media. Remember the scope is broad and ethical and intelligent employees are needed at every level in public and population health.
Micki Hrncir
Senior Lecturer, Health Education & Health Promotion, Degree Director, BS Public Health, Faculty, Health & Wellness Coach, (ASU Certified)Arizona State University
College of Health Solutions
What skills stand out on Safety Specialist resumes?
Micki Hrncir: -Scientific literacy - the ability to understand scientific knowledge and to effectively disseminate it to lay audiences. Specifically, showcase the ability to be observant, formulate hypotheses, run an experiment, collect data, analyze results, and make sense of findings or modify and test again. It's a process that makes us slow down and be critical of our world, which is essential for survival.
-Relationship building skills, communication skills that lead to teamwork or partnerships.
-Evidence of effective written and verbal communication skills
-Examples of working with diverse populations
-Examples of how you built trust with communities
-Personal self-care skills - though likely not listed on a resume, during an interview, you could describe how you manage stress, take care of your mind and body, and maintain your ability to process grief and change. Working in the public health profession is rewarding and challenging. When called upon as an essential worker for the health and safety of the public, you want to care for yourself to give your best to help others. As the popular saying goes, "you cannot pour from an empty cup," meaning take care of yourself mentally and physically.
-Decision-making skills & abilities (weighing the pros and cons, coming up with a plan for recourse if needed, admitting to shortcomings, seeking to improve daily, demonstrating assertiveness and flexibility). Deciding to utilize tools that work, for example, Emergency when talking with family members, community members, etc., about public health information.
Are there any particularly good places in the United States for Safety Specialists to find work opportunities?
Micki Hrncir: -Rural communities
-Places where you grew up (city/town/state/etc.), going back to your community to build the relationship between the public health field and community. Sharing common ground and relatedness. (this ties to funding the job opportunities in all/many places - people go where the jobs are!)
-Non-profit organizations
-Consider looking at city and government websites for job openings that describe working to preserve the city's health and safety. Employers won't list some jobs with apparent public health or population health titles; focusing on the job posting details is critical. The scope of public health is broad: environmental health, parks and recreation safety, epidemiology, emergency preparedness, logistical operations for COVID testing sites, food safety, health information communication. A public health job could be internal operations, communication and administrative work or front line with the community or media. Remember the scope is broad and ethical and intelligent employees are needed at every level in public and population health.
Christine Foster
Adjunct ProfessorSan Jose State University
Industrial Systems and Engineering Department
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Safety Specialist job market given the pandemic?
Christine Foster: I believe that the pandemic will continue to drive opportunities for occupational safety work within the greater healthcare market, and more specifically in hospitals and clinics as well as biotech/pharma. I also have seen an increased demand for safety professionals overall, as many aspects of the pandemic have driven home the need for safety in industries that have not typically had a focus in this area. Examples of this include food and beverage, where there have been significant outbreaks during the pandemic, and food service where there is great risk for exposure during eating and drinking activities. Regulatory changes will also continue to increase demand for occupational safety expertise.
What skills stand out on Safety Specialist resumes?
Christine Foster: From a skills perspective, I look for strong written and verbal communication skills. This includes making sure that the resume is grammatically solid and free from spelling errors. This is a first impression, and one that may make the difference between getting an interview or not. Specific experience that is important includes risk assessment/analysis, regulatory interpretation, data analysis, and project management. So much of what we do in occupational safety is assessing risk and then translating that into recommendations that are then managed to execution. Today's safety professional needs to be able to do all of these things well.
Are there any particularly good places in the United States for Safety Specialists to find work opportunities?
Christine Foster: For geographic areas that will be best for jobs, I would say the jobs will follow the industry trends I mentioned above. Areas with a concentration of biopharma, including the Bay Area, New Jersey, Boston, North Carolina, and Seattle will likely continue to see high demand for safety professionals.
For those entering the field, consulting firms are a great place to begin a career, with many opportunities for new graduates and an ability to learn the field in a variety of industry applications.
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Safety Specialists?
Dr. John Howard: Recent graduates beginning a career in occupational safety and health will find the COVID-19 pandemic has brought to light the critical role of workplace safety and the health and occupational safety and health practitioners - not just in health care but in industries nationwide. Workers are the backbone of our nation that keep us moving ahead, even in the face of unprecedented threats, such as the one we face today. The importance of taking proactive steps to ensure they have the safety equipment and the training they need to perform work safely and remain healthy is clearer than ever.
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Safety Specialist job market given the pandemic?
Linsay Hale: The most glaring impact of COVID-19 on the job market is lean towards telework and virtual offices. Public safety, corrections included, is not and will not be impacted by this trend since ensuring the safety and security of a courtroom's correctional facility requires an in-person presence.
What technology do you think will become more important and prevalent for Safety Specialists in the next 3-5 years?
Linsay Hale: Law enforcement, like most job fields, is continually evolving to reflect technological advancements. I would say, again generally speaking, that transparency and accountability of those employed in police and corrections are at the forefront of the national social and political discussion, as is the safety of the men and women choosing to work in those professions and the safety of community members (whether they be incarcerated or not). As such, I suppose that any tool or technologies developed to further those initiatives will increase in popularity and prevalence.
Will there be an increase or decrease in demand for Safety Specialists in the next 5 years?
Linsay Hale: I don't know that a POST agency best answers this question. Our agency (Oregon Department of Public Safety Standards and Training) is responsible for training and certifying public safety officers, to include corrections officers. But we don't hire corrections officers. While we know, through registrations into the Basic Corrections Course, that employed Oregon corrections officers are required to attend, there is always a need for qualified corrections officers. Still, I would suggest posing this question to agencies responsible for hiring those officers. The employment requirements (including what level of education is required) is at their discretion. They would also be best suited to weigh whether or not they see an increase or decrease in demand coming.
Alfred Lujan
Assistant ProfessorNMSU/Dona Ana Community College
Public Services Department, Fire Science Program
What type of skills will young Safety Specialists need?
Alfred Lujan: Most fire departments require or prefer candidates with a current Emergency Medical Technician-Basic license at a minimum.
Many fire departments require a minimum of a Firefighter I IFSAC or Pro Board certification, and it is a prerequisite Hazardous Materials Awareness and Operations certification.
Are there any particularly good places in the United States for Safety Specialists to find work opportunities?
Alfred Lujan: No, most municipalities and counties in the US have fire departments, and personnel is frequently hired due to regular attrition. Pay varies, however, depending on the area.
How do you envision technology impacting Safety Specialists in the next 5 years?
Alfred Lujan: Technology advancements are prevalent in emergency services, like everywhere else. In the next five years, I envision GPS technology to play a vital role in the dispatch of and location navigation for emergency services units and personnel tracking in the hot zone. Technology will also likely play a role in improving communication and connectivity between emergency response agencies.
Things like biotelemetry, simulation training, advancements in personal protective equipment, and advances in apparatus and equipment technology will continue to evolve in making firefighters more effective and efficient.