Epidemiologists vs. Occupational Health and Safety Specialists: Who Earns More?
Occupational Health and Safety Specialists out-earn Epidemiologists by $3K a year at the national median, per BLS OEWS May 2025. Epidemiologists land at $87,220 and Occupational Health and Safety Specialists at $90,150. The education gap is real: epidemiologist programs typically require bachelor's degree, while occupational health and safety specialist programs require bachelor's degree. Top-paying state for Epidemiologists is Massachusetts ($115,890); 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 Epidemiologists median pay.
Source: BLS OEWS May 2025. Highlighted value is higher in each row.
Common questions
Who earns more, Epidemiologists or Occupational Health and Safety Specialists?
Occupational Health and Safety Specialists earn more nationally. The median is $87,220 for Epidemiologists versus $90,150 for Occupational Health and Safety Specialists, a difference of $3K. Per BLS OEWS May 2025.
Which has better job growth, Epidemiologists or Occupational Health and Safety Specialists?
Epidemiologists has the better 10-year outlook at 16.2% projected growth, compared to 12.5% for the other field. Both are from BLS Employment Projections.
Which requires more education, Epidemiologists or Occupational Health and Safety Specialists?
Epidemiologists 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 Epidemiologists get paid the most?
Massachusetts is the top-paying state for Epidemiologists at $115,890/year, per BLS OEWS May 2025. Major metro areas within that state typically pay even more than the state average.
How does Epidemiologists vs. Occupational Health and Safety Specialists pay differ by state?
The gap varies significantly by state. In Massachusetts, Epidemiologists earn $115,890 vs. $103,970 for Occupational Health and Safety Specialists. See the state comparison table on this page for the full picture.