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Safety supervisor vs safety technician

The differences between safety supervisors and safety technicians can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 1-2 years to become both a safety supervisor and a safety technician. Additionally, a safety supervisor has an average salary of $65,392, which is higher than the $38,709 average annual salary of a safety technician.

The top three skills for a safety supervisor include OSHA, safety procedures and safety program. The most important skills for a safety technician are OSHA, patients, and customer service.

Safety supervisor vs safety technician overview

Safety SupervisorSafety Technician
Yearly salary$65,392$38,709
Hourly rate$31.44$18.61
Growth rate4%6%
Number of jobs16,48138,218
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 50%Bachelor's Degree, 40%
Average age4245
Years of experience22

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.

What does a safety technician do?

A safety technician is responsible for inspecting the office equipment and machinery, as well as the safety of facilities, avoiding potential hazards in the workplace. Safety technicians also review the company's policies and procedures, ensuring that the operational processes adhere to the internal guidelines and state regulations. They recommend safety training and programs for all employees on safety compliance and stable work conditions. A safety technician must have excellent communication and organizational skills, especially on writing incident reports and suggesting practices to maintain a safe working environment.

Safety supervisor vs safety technician salary

Safety supervisors and safety technicians have different pay scales, as shown below.

Safety SupervisorSafety Technician
Average salary$65,392$38,709
Salary rangeBetween $43,000 And $98,000Between $28,000 And $52,000
Highest paying CityBoston, MABethlehem, PA
Highest paying stateMassachusettsAlaska
Best paying companyCargillMicron Technology
Best paying industryEnergyConstruction

Differences between safety supervisor and safety technician education

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

Safety SupervisorSafety Technician
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 50%Bachelor's Degree, 40%
Most common majorBusinessBusiness
Most common collegeStanford University-

Safety supervisor vs safety technician demographics

Here are the differences between safety supervisors' and safety technicians' demographics:

Safety SupervisorSafety Technician
Average age4245
Gender ratioMale, 83.8% Female, 16.2%Male, 79.1% Female, 20.9%
Race ratioBlack 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%Black or African American, 10.3% Unknown, 6.0% Hispanic or Latino, 14.5% Asian, 5.7% White, 62.2% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.2%
LGBT Percentage4%7%

Differences between safety supervisor and safety technician duties and responsibilities

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.
  • Show more

Safety technician example responsibilities.

  • Assist with ergonomics assessments, assist in managing HAZMAT and chemical storage programs, and evaluate fire prevention plans.
  • Provide service and support for the inspection, testing and maintenance of fire protection systems per NFPA.
  • Translate safety training programs into Spanish and deliver OSHA training programs via teleconference.
  • Instruct annual CPR classes for all employees.
  • Provide first aid / CPR to injure associates.
  • Contract position with duties ranging from RCRA audits weekly.
  • Show more

Safety supervisor vs safety technician skills

Common safety supervisor skills
  • OSHA, 12%
  • Safety Procedures, 8%
  • Safety Program, 4%
  • Safety Training, 4%
  • Safety Audits, 4%
  • Patrol, 4%
Common safety technician skills
  • OSHA, 12%
  • Patients, 9%
  • Customer Service, 5%
  • Safety Procedures, 5%
  • Safety Equipment, 4%
  • CPR, 4%

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