Materials Scientists vs. Occupational Health and Safety Specialists: Who Earns More?
Materials Scientistss out-earn Occupational Health and Safety Specialistss by $28K a year at the national median, per BLS OEWS May 2025. Materials Scientistss land at $117,790 and Occupational Health and Safety Specialistss 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 Scientistss is California ($177,030); for Occupational Health and Safety Specialistss 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 Scientistss or Occupational Health and Safety Specialistss?
Materials Scientistss earn more nationally. The median is $117,790 for Materials Scientistss versus $90,150 for Occupational Health and Safety Specialistss, a difference of $28K. Per BLS OEWS May 2025.
Which has better job growth, Materials Scientists or Occupational Health and Safety Specialists?
BLS Employment Projections data is not available for one or both occupations. Check the individual career pages for current outlook figures.
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 Scientistss get paid the most?
California is the top-paying state for Materials Scientistss 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 Scientistss earn $177,030 vs. $102,840 for Occupational Health and Safety Specialistss. See the state comparison table on this page for the full picture.