Forensic Science Technicians vs. Occupational Health and Safety Specialists: Who Earns More?
Occupational Health and Safety Specialists out-earn Forensic Science Technicians by $18K a year at the national median, per BLS OEWS May 2025. Forensic Science Technicians land at $72,060 and Occupational Health and Safety Specialists at $90,150. The education gap is real: forensic science technician programs typically require bachelor's degree, while occupational health and safety specialist programs require bachelor's degree. Top-paying state for Forensic Science Technicians is Illinois ($124,790); 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 Forensic Science Technicians median pay.
Source: BLS OEWS May 2025. Highlighted value is higher in each row.
Common questions
Who earns more, Forensic Science Technicians or Occupational Health and Safety Specialists?
Occupational Health and Safety Specialists earn more nationally. The median is $72,060 for Forensic Science Technicians versus $90,150 for Occupational Health and Safety Specialists, a difference of $18K. Per BLS OEWS May 2025.
Which has better job growth, Forensic Science Technicians or Occupational Health and Safety Specialists?
Forensic Science Technicians has the better 10-year outlook at 12.8% projected growth, compared to 12.5% for the other field. Both are from BLS Employment Projections.
Which requires more education, Forensic Science Technicians or Occupational Health and Safety Specialists?
Forensic 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 Forensic Science Technicians get paid the most?
Illinois is the top-paying state for Forensic Science Technicians at $124,790/year, per BLS OEWS May 2025. Major metro areas within that state typically pay even more than the state average.
How does Forensic Science Technicians vs. Occupational Health and Safety Specialists pay differ by state?
The gap varies significantly by state. In Illinois, Forensic Science Technicians earn $124,790 vs. $98,270 for Occupational Health and Safety Specialists. See the state comparison table on this page for the full picture.