Industrial-Organizational Psychologists vs. Occupational Health and Safety Specialists: Who Earns More?
Industrial-Organizational Psychologists out-earn Occupational Health and Safety Specialists by $104K a year at the national median, per BLS OEWS May 2025. Industrial-Organizational Psychologists land at $193,950 and Occupational Health and Safety Specialists at $90,150. The education gap is real: industrial-organizational psychologist programs typically require bachelor's degree, while occupational health and safety specialist programs require bachelor's degree. Top-paying state for Industrial-Organizational Psychologists is Oregon ($174,980); 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 Industrial-Organizational Psychologists median pay.
Source: BLS OEWS May 2025. Highlighted value is higher in each row.
Common questions
Who earns more, Industrial-Organizational Psychologists or Occupational Health and Safety Specialists?
Industrial-Organizational Psychologists earn more nationally. The median is $193,950 for Industrial-Organizational Psychologists versus $90,150 for Occupational Health and Safety Specialists, a difference of $104K. Per BLS OEWS May 2025.
Which has better job growth, Industrial-Organizational Psychologists or Occupational Health and Safety Specialists?
Occupational Health and Safety Specialists has the better 10-year outlook at 12.5% projected growth, compared to 6.3% for the other field. Both are from BLS Employment Projections.
Which requires more education, Industrial-Organizational Psychologists or Occupational Health and Safety Specialists?
Industrial-Organizational Psychologists 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 Industrial-Organizational Psychologists get paid the most?
Oregon is the top-paying state for Industrial-Organizational Psychologists at $174,980/year, per BLS OEWS May 2025. Major metro areas within that state typically pay even more than the state average.
How does Industrial-Organizational Psychologists vs. Occupational Health and Safety Specialists pay differ by state?
The gap varies significantly by state. In Oregon, Industrial-Organizational Psychologists earn $174,980 vs. $95,240 for Occupational Health and Safety Specialists. See the state comparison table on this page for the full picture.