Chemical Technicians vs. Occupational Health and Safety Specialists: Who Earns More?
Occupational Health and Safety Specialists out-earn Chemical Technicians by $30K a year at the national median, per BLS OEWS May 2025. Chemical Technicians land at $60,390 and Occupational Health and Safety Specialists at $90,150. The education gap is real: chemical technician programs typically require bachelor's degree, while occupational health and safety specialist programs require bachelor's degree. Top-paying state for Chemical Technicians is Louisiana ($85,850); for Occupational Health and Safety Specialists it's District of Columbia ($111,530).
Pay by state
States where both occupations have BLS data, sorted by Chemical Technicians median pay.
Source: BLS OEWS May 2025. Highlighted value is higher in each row.
Common questions
Who earns more, Chemical Technicians or Occupational Health and Safety Specialists?
Occupational Health and Safety Specialists earn more nationally. The median is $60,390 for Chemical Technicians versus $90,150 for Occupational Health and Safety Specialists, a difference of $30K. Per BLS OEWS May 2025.
Which has better job growth, Chemical Technicians or Occupational Health and Safety Specialists?
Occupational Health and Safety Specialists has the better 10-year outlook at 12.5% projected growth, compared to 3.7% for the other field. Both are from BLS Employment Projections.
Which requires more education, Chemical Technicians or Occupational Health and Safety Specialists?
Chemical Technicians typically requires bachelor's degree. Occupational Health and Safety Specialists requires bachelor's degree. Education requirements vary by employer and state licensing board.
Where do Chemical Technicians get paid the most?
Louisiana is the top-paying state for Chemical Technicians at $85,850/year, per BLS OEWS May 2025. Major metro areas within that state typically pay even more than the state average.
How does Chemical Technicians vs. Occupational Health and Safety Specialists pay differ by state?
The gap varies significantly by state. In Alaska, Chemical Technicians earn $79,380 vs. $99,270 for Occupational Health and Safety Specialists. See the state comparison table on this page for the full picture.