Materials Scientists vs. Occupational Health and Safety Specialists: Who Earns More?
Materials Scientists out-earn Occupational Health and Safety Specialists by $28K a year at the national median, per BLS OEWS May 2025. Materials Scientists land at $117,790 and Occupational Health and Safety Specialists at $90,150. The education gap is real: materials scientist programs typically require bachelor's degree, while occupational health and safety specialist programs require bachelor's degree. Top-paying state for Materials Scientists is California ($177,030); 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 Materials Scientists median pay.
Source: BLS OEWS May 2025. Highlighted value is higher in each row.
Common questions
Who earns more, Materials Scientists or Occupational Health and Safety Specialists?
Materials Scientists earn more nationally. The median is $117,790 for Materials Scientists versus $90,150 for Occupational Health and Safety Specialists, a difference of $28K. Per BLS OEWS May 2025.
Which has better job growth, Materials Scientists or Occupational Health and Safety Specialists?
Occupational Health and Safety Specialists has the better 10-year outlook at 12.5% projected growth, compared to 4.9% for the other field. Both are from BLS Employment Projections.
Which requires more education, Materials Scientists or Occupational Health and Safety Specialists?
Materials Scientists 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 Materials Scientists get paid the most?
California is the top-paying state for Materials Scientists at $177,030/year, per BLS OEWS May 2025. Major metro areas within that state typically pay even more than the state average.
How does Materials Scientists vs. Occupational Health and Safety Specialists pay differ by state?
The gap varies significantly by state. In California, Materials Scientists earn $177,030 vs. $102,840 for Occupational Health and Safety Specialists. See the state comparison table on this page for the full picture.