Microbiologists vs. Occupational Health and Safety Specialists: Who Earns More?
Occupational Health and Safety Specialistss out-earn Microbiologistss by $2K a year at the national median, per BLS OEWS May 2025. Microbiologistss land at $87,990 and Occupational Health and Safety Specialistss at $90,150. The education gap is real: microbiologist programs typically require bachelor's degree, while occupational health and safety specialist programs require bachelor's degree. Top-paying state for Microbiologistss is Massachusetts ($122,350); 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 Microbiologists median pay.
Source: BLS OEWS May 2025. Highlighted value is higher in each row.
Common questions
Who earns more, Microbiologistss or Occupational Health and Safety Specialistss?
Occupational Health and Safety Specialistss earn more nationally. The median is $87,990 for Microbiologistss versus $90,150 for Occupational Health and Safety Specialistss, a difference of $2K. Per BLS OEWS May 2025.
Which has better job growth, Microbiologists 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, Microbiologists or Occupational Health and Safety Specialists?
Microbiologists 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 Microbiologistss get paid the most?
Massachusetts is the top-paying state for Microbiologistss at $122,350/year, per BLS OEWS May 2025. Major metro areas within that state typically pay even more than the state average.
How does Microbiologists vs. Occupational Health and Safety Specialists pay differ by state?
The gap varies significantly by state. In Massachusetts, Microbiologistss earn $122,350 vs. $103,970 for Occupational Health and Safety Specialistss. See the state comparison table on this page for the full picture.