Health and safety engineers, except mining safety engineers and inspectors
SOC Code: 17-2111
Health and safety engineers, except mining safety engineers and inspectors carries a 30% AI exposure score (Medium automation risk), with a median annual wage of $109,660 and +4.4% projected employment growth from 2024 to 2034 (BLS), affecting approximately 23,800 workers. Full task breakdown, skills, and employer data are below.
Proportion of tasks susceptible to AI automation (O*NET analysis)
AI Exposure vs Industry Growth
Total occupations tracked
832
Covering all SOC major groups
Data currency
2024
BLS Employment Projections
AI exposure avg
40%
Fleet-wide median across all roles
Composite score weighing O*NET task data completeness, BLS projection methodology, and cross-validation with employer risk grades.
Employment Projections
Occupation Insight
Health and safety engineers, except mining safety engineers and inspectors (SOC 17-2111) carries an AI exposure score of 30%, placing it in the Medium automation-risk tier. This score is computed from O*NET Database 30.0 task-level analysis, where each task an occupation performs is evaluated against current generative AI, robotic process automation, and machine-learning capabilities. A score below 40% reflects tasks anchored in physical dexterity, unstructured environments, or high-touch human interaction that current AI cannot reliably replicate.
The economic context matters alongside the risk score. BLS counted approximately 23,800 workers in this occupation in 2024, and projects a +4.4% change through 2034 — modest growth that keeps the occupation viable even as tasks evolve. Median annual compensation stands at $109,660, reflecting both skill scarcity and the value employers place on the tasks that remain difficult to automate. Entry typically requires Bachelor's degree, plus None of related experience.
For career planners, this profile should be read alongside the task, skill, and knowledge breakdowns below and the list of employers whose workforce composition includes Health and safety engineers, except mining safety engineers and inspectors. Adjacent occupations shown further down offer lateral moves that preserve industry knowledge while potentially reducing exposure. Pair the AI exposure score with the BLS employment projection and wage percentiles above for a complete career assessment.
Education & Entry Requirements
Top Tasks (O*NET)
- 1. Investigate industrial accidents, injuries, or occupational diseases to determine causes and preventive measures.
- 2. Advise architects, builders, and other construction personnel on fire prevention equipment and techniques and on fire code and standard interpretation and compliance.
- 3. Conduct research to evaluate safety levels for products.
- 4. Evaluate product designs for safety.
- 5. Conduct or coordinate worker training in areas such as safety laws and regulations, hazardous condition monitoring, and use of safety equipment.
- 6. Maintain and apply knowledge of current policies, regulations, and industrial processes.
- 7. Recommend procedures for detection, prevention, and elimination of physical, chemical, or other product hazards.
- 8. Design fire detection equipment, alarm systems, and fire extinguishing devices and systems.
- 9. Report or review findings from accident investigations, facilities inspections, or environmental testing.
- 10. Evaluate potential health hazards or damage that could occur from product misuse.
Key Skills Required
- Critical Thinking
- Reading Comprehension
- Speaking
- Complex Problem Solving
- Judgment and Decision Making
- Active Listening
- Writing
- Active Learning
- Systems Analysis
- Systems Evaluation
Knowledge Areas
- Engineering and Technology
- Building and Construction
- Design
- Mathematics
- Public Safety and Security
- English Language
- Physics
- Chemistry
- Customer and Personal Service
- Mechanical
Frequently Asked Questions
Will AI replace Health and safety engineers, except mining safety engineers and inspectors?
Health and safety engineers, except mining safety engineers and inspectors has an AI exposure score of 30%, indicating a medium level of automation risk. The majority of tasks in this role require human judgment, creativity, or physical presence that AI cannot easily replicate.
What is the job outlook for Health and safety engineers, except mining safety engineers and inspectors?
According to BLS Employment Projections 2024-2034, Health and safety engineers, except mining safety engineers and inspectors is projected to grow by 4.4% over the decade. Current employment stands at approximately 23,800 workers.
What skills are needed for Health and safety engineers, except mining safety engineers and inspectors?
Key skills for Health and safety engineers, except mining safety engineers and inspectors include Critical Thinking, Reading Comprehension, Speaking, and others. Typical entry-level education is Bachelor's degree.
How much do Health and safety engineers, except mining safety engineers and inspectors earn?
The median annual wage for Health and safety engineers, except mining safety engineers and inspectors is $109,660, according to BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2024). Actual earnings vary by location, experience, industry, and employer. The BLS publishes detailed wage percentiles by region in its Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics program.
What education is required for Health and safety engineers, except mining safety engineers and inspectors?
The typical entry-level education for Health and safety engineers, except mining safety engineers and inspectors is Bachelor's degree. Employers generally expect None of related work experience. On-the-job training typically involves None. Requirements can vary by employer and specialization.
Which companies employ Health and safety engineers, except mining safety engineers and inspectors?
Health and safety engineers, except mining safety engineers and inspectors roles exist across many industries and employers. Workforce composition is estimated from BLS industry-occupation employment distributions matched to SEC-registered public companies.
AI Exposure Rating
Medium automation risk based on 10 analyzed tasks. Most tasks require human judgment and are resistant to automation.
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Data sources: Bureau of Labor Statistics Employment Projections 2024–2034 and O*NET Database 30.0. Employment figures are rounded. Wage data from BLS Occupational Employment Statistics (OES).