Foresters vs. Occupational Health and Safety Specialists: Who Earns More?
Occupational Health and Safety Specialists out-earn Foresters by $14K a year at the national median, per BLS OEWS May 2025. Foresters land at $76,400 and Occupational Health and Safety Specialists at $90,150. The education gap is real: forester programs typically require bachelor's degree, while occupational health and safety specialist programs require bachelor's degree. Top-paying state for Foresters is California ($107,120); 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 Foresters median pay.
Source: BLS OEWS May 2025. Highlighted value is higher in each row.
Common questions
Who earns more, Foresters or Occupational Health and Safety Specialists?
Occupational Health and Safety Specialists earn more nationally. The median is $76,400 for Foresters versus $90,150 for Occupational Health and Safety Specialists, a difference of $14K. Per BLS OEWS May 2025.
Which has better job growth, Foresters or Occupational Health and Safety Specialists?
Occupational Health and Safety Specialists has the better 10-year outlook at 12.5% projected growth, compared to 1.2% for the other field. Both are from BLS Employment Projections.
Which requires more education, Foresters or Occupational Health and Safety Specialists?
Foresters 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 Foresters get paid the most?
California is the top-paying state for Foresters at $107,120/year, per BLS OEWS May 2025. Major metro areas within that state typically pay even more than the state average.
How does Foresters vs. Occupational Health and Safety Specialists pay differ by state?
The gap varies significantly by state. In California, Foresters earn $107,120 vs. $102,840 for Occupational Health and Safety Specialists. See the state comparison table on this page for the full picture.