Food Scientists and Technologists vs. Occupational Health and Safety Specialists: Who Earns More?
Occupational Health and Safety Specialists out-earn Food Scientists and Technologists by $1K a year at the national median, per BLS OEWS May 2025. Food Scientists and Technologists land at $88,720 and Occupational Health and Safety Specialists at $90,150. The education gap is real: food scientists and technologist programs typically require bachelor's degree, while occupational health and safety specialist programs require bachelor's degree. Top-paying state for Food Scientists and Technologists is South Carolina ($108,660); 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 Scientists and Technologists median pay.
Source: BLS OEWS May 2025. Highlighted value is higher in each row.
Common questions
Who earns more, Food Scientists and Technologists or Occupational Health and Safety Specialists?
Occupational Health and Safety Specialists earn more nationally. The median is $88,720 for Food Scientists and Technologists versus $90,150 for Occupational Health and Safety Specialists, a difference of $1K. Per BLS OEWS May 2025.
Which has better job growth, Food Scientists and Technologists or Occupational Health and Safety Specialists?
Occupational Health and Safety Specialists has the better 10-year outlook at 12.5% projected growth, compared to 6.5% for the other field. Both are from BLS Employment Projections.
Which requires more education, Food Scientists and Technologists or Occupational Health and Safety Specialists?
Food Scientists and Technologists 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 Scientists and Technologists get paid the most?
South Carolina is the top-paying state for Food Scientists and Technologists at $108,660/year, per BLS OEWS May 2025. Major metro areas within that state typically pay even more than the state average.
How does Food Scientists and Technologists vs. Occupational Health and Safety Specialists pay differ by state?
The gap varies significantly by state. In New Jersey, Food Scientists and Technologists earn $104,340 vs. $90,610 for Occupational Health and Safety Specialists. See the state comparison table on this page for the full picture.