Social Science Research Assistants vs. Occupational Health and Safety Specialists: Who Earns More?
Occupational Health and Safety Specialists out-earn Social Science Research Assistants by $28K a year at the national median, per BLS OEWS May 2025. Social Science Research Assistants land at $61,990 and Occupational Health and Safety Specialists at $90,150. The education gap is real: social science research assistant programs typically require bachelor's degree, while occupational health and safety specialist programs require bachelor's degree. Top-paying state for Social Science Research Assistants is Oklahoma ($69,090); 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 Social Science Research Assistants median pay.
Source: BLS OEWS May 2025. Highlighted value is higher in each row.
Common questions
Who earns more, Social Science Research Assistants or Occupational Health and Safety Specialists?
Occupational Health and Safety Specialists earn more nationally. The median is $61,990 for Social Science Research Assistants versus $90,150 for Occupational Health and Safety Specialists, a difference of $28K. Per BLS OEWS May 2025.
Which has better job growth, Social Science Research Assistants or Occupational Health and Safety Specialists?
Occupational Health and Safety Specialists has the better 10-year outlook at 12.5% projected growth, compared to 4.4% for the other field. Both are from BLS Employment Projections.
Which requires more education, Social Science Research Assistants or Occupational Health and Safety Specialists?
Social Science Research Assistants 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 Social Science Research Assistants get paid the most?
Oklahoma is the top-paying state for Social Science Research Assistants at $69,090/year, per BLS OEWS May 2025. Major metro areas within that state typically pay even more than the state average.
How does Social Science Research Assistants vs. Occupational Health and Safety Specialists pay differ by state?
The gap varies significantly by state. In New Hampshire, Social Science Research Assistants earn $65,690 vs. $101,260 for Occupational Health and Safety Specialists. See the state comparison table on this page for the full picture.