Physicists vs. Occupational Health and Safety Specialists: Who Earns More?
Physicists out-earn Occupational Health and Safety Specialists by $82K a year at the national median, per BLS OEWS May 2025. Physicists land at $172,250 and Occupational Health and Safety Specialists at $90,150. The education gap is real: physicist programs typically require bachelor's degree, while occupational health and safety specialist programs require bachelor's degree. Top-paying state for Physicists is Florida ($225,390); 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 Physicists median pay.
Source: BLS OEWS May 2025. Highlighted value is higher in each row.
Common questions
Who earns more, Physicists or Occupational Health and Safety Specialists?
Physicists earn more nationally. The median is $172,250 for Physicists versus $90,150 for Occupational Health and Safety Specialists, a difference of $82K. Per BLS OEWS May 2025.
Which has better job growth, Physicists 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% for the other field. Both are from BLS Employment Projections.
Which requires more education, Physicists or Occupational Health and Safety Specialists?
Physicists 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 Physicists get paid the most?
Florida is the top-paying state for Physicists at $225,390/year, per BLS OEWS May 2025. Major metro areas within that state typically pay even more than the state average.
How does Physicists vs. Occupational Health and Safety Specialists pay differ by state?
The gap varies significantly by state. In New Hampshire, Physicists earn $214,030 vs. $101,260 for Occupational Health and Safety Specialists. See the state comparison table on this page for the full picture.