Food Science Technicians vs. Occupational Health and Safety Specialists: Who Earns More?
Occupational Health and Safety Specialists out-earn Food Science Technicians by $38K a year at the national median, per BLS OEWS May 2025. Food Science Technicians land at $52,130 and Occupational Health and Safety Specialists at $90,150. The education gap is real: food science technician programs typically require bachelor's degree, while occupational health and safety specialist programs require bachelor's degree. Top-paying state for Food Science Technicians is Virginia ($65,360); 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 Food Science Technicians median pay.
Source: BLS OEWS May 2025. Highlighted value is higher in each row.
Common questions
Who earns more, Food Science Technicians or Occupational Health and Safety Specialists?
Occupational Health and Safety Specialists earn more nationally. The median is $52,130 for Food Science Technicians versus $90,150 for Occupational Health and Safety Specialists, a difference of $38K. Per BLS OEWS May 2025.
Which has better job growth, Food Science 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 4.8% for the other field. Both are from BLS Employment Projections.
Which requires more education, Food Science Technicians or Occupational Health and Safety Specialists?
Food Science 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 Food Science Technicians get paid the most?
Virginia is the top-paying state for Food Science Technicians at $65,360/year, per BLS OEWS May 2025. Major metro areas within that state typically pay even more than the state average.
How does Food Science Technicians vs. Occupational Health and Safety Specialists pay differ by state?
The gap varies significantly by state. In Virginia, Food Science Technicians earn $65,360 vs. $90,800 for Occupational Health and Safety Specialists. See the state comparison table on this page for the full picture.