Occupational health and safety specialists
SOC Code: 19-5011
Occupational health and safety specialists carries a 28% AI exposure score (Medium automation risk), with a median annual wage of $83,910 and +12.5% projected employment growth from 2024 to 2034 (BLS), affecting approximately 131,900 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
Occupational health and safety specialists (SOC 19-5011) carries an AI exposure score of 28%, 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 131,900 workers in this occupation in 2024, and projects a +12.5% change through 2034 — a strong growth outlook that compensates meaningfully for automation risk. Median annual compensation stands at $83,910, 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 Occupational health and safety specialists. 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. Recommend measures to help protect workers from potentially hazardous work methods, processes, or materials.
- 2. Develop or maintain hygiene programs, such as noise surveys, continuous atmosphere monitoring, ventilation surveys, or asbestos management plans.
- 3. Order suspension of activities that pose threats to workers' health or safety.
- 4. Investigate accidents to identify causes or to determine how such accidents might be prevented in the future.
- 5. Inspect or evaluate workplace environments, equipment, or practices to ensure compliance with safety standards and government regulations.
- 6. Collect samples of dust, gases, vapors, or other potentially toxic materials for analysis.
- 7. Collaborate with engineers or physicians to institute control or remedial measures for hazardous or potentially hazardous conditions or equipment.
- 8. Investigate the adequacy of ventilation, exhaust equipment, lighting, or other conditions that could affect employee health, comfort, or performance.
- 9. Conduct safety training or education programs and demonstrate the use of safety equipment.
- 10. Investigate health-related complaints and inspect facilities to ensure that they comply with public health legislation and regulations.
Key Skills Required
- Reading Comprehension
- Active Listening
- Writing
- Speaking
- Critical Thinking
- Social Perceptiveness
- Complex Problem Solving
- Judgment and Decision Making
- Systems Analysis
- Systems Evaluation
Knowledge Areas
- English Language
- Chemistry
- Education and Training
- Mathematics
- Customer and Personal Service
- Engineering and Technology
- Biology
- Law and Government
- Public Safety and Security
- Administration and Management
Frequently Asked Questions
Will AI replace Occupational health and safety specialists?
Occupational health and safety specialists has an AI exposure score of 28%, 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 Occupational health and safety specialists?
According to BLS Employment Projections 2024-2034, Occupational health and safety specialists is projected to grow by 12.5% over the decade. Current employment stands at approximately 131,900 workers.
What skills are needed for Occupational health and safety specialists?
Key skills for Occupational health and safety specialists include Reading Comprehension, Active Listening, Writing, and others. Typical entry-level education is Bachelor's degree.
How much do Occupational health and safety specialists earn?
The median annual wage for Occupational health and safety specialists is $83,910, 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 Occupational health and safety specialists?
The typical entry-level education for Occupational health and safety specialists 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 Occupational health and safety specialists?
Occupational health and safety specialists 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).