How to become an occupational health and safety technician
Collect data on work environments for analysis by occupational health and safety specialists. Implement and conduct evaluation of programs designed to limit chemical, physical, biological, and ergonomic risks to workers.
Steps to get there
Most employers expect most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree..Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations. For example, an electrician must have completed three or four years of apprenticeship or several years of vocational training, and often must have passed a licensing exam, in order to perform the job.
What occupational health and safety technicians do
- Evaluate situations or make determinations when a worker has refused to work on the grounds that danger or potential harm exists.
- Supply, operate, or maintain personal protective equipment.
- Train workers in safety procedures related to green jobs, such as the use of fall protection devices or maintenance of proper ventilation during wind turbine construction.
- Test workplaces for environmental hazards, such as exposure to radiation, chemical or biological hazards, or excessive noise.
- Maintain all required environmental records and documentation.
- Inspect fire suppression systems or portable fire systems to ensure proper working order.
Skills that matter most
- Active Listening
- Reading Comprehension
- Speaking
- Critical Thinking
- Writing
- Monitoring
- Active Learning
- Learning Strategies
Is occupational health and safety technician a good career?
On the numbers, this job pays above the typical job. Median pay is 21% above the all-occupation median. Whether it fits you depends on the work itself, the schooling you are willing to do and where you want to live.
Where it pays most
- Washington $104,910
- Rhode Island $84,640
- West Virginia $81,470
- Alaska $80,760
- New Mexico $79,490
Occupational Health and Safety Technicians salary by state and city
Sources: O*NET® 31.0 (CC BY 4.0, USDOL/ETA) and BLS Employment Projections 2025–35. Pay: BLS OEWS May 2025.