Sociologists vs. Occupational Health and Safety Specialists: Who Earns More?
Sociologists out-earn Occupational Health and Safety Specialists by $16K a year at the national median, per BLS OEWS May 2025. Sociologists land at $106,030 and Occupational Health and Safety Specialists at $90,150. The education gap is real: sociologist programs typically require bachelor's degree, while occupational health and safety specialist programs require bachelor's degree. Top-paying state for Sociologists is Illinois ($140,770); 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 Sociologists median pay.
Source: BLS OEWS May 2025. Highlighted value is higher in each row.
Common questions
Who earns more, Sociologists or Occupational Health and Safety Specialists?
Sociologists earn more nationally. The median is $106,030 for Sociologists versus $90,150 for Occupational Health and Safety Specialists, a difference of $16K. Per BLS OEWS May 2025.
Which has better job growth, Sociologists or Occupational Health and Safety Specialists?
Occupational Health and Safety Specialists has the better 10-year outlook at 12.5% projected growth, compared to 3.6% for the other field. Both are from BLS Employment Projections.
Which requires more education, Sociologists or Occupational Health and Safety Specialists?
Sociologists 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 Sociologists get paid the most?
Illinois is the top-paying state for Sociologists at $140,770/year, per BLS OEWS May 2025. Major metro areas within that state typically pay even more than the state average.
How does Sociologists vs. Occupational Health and Safety Specialists pay differ by state?
The gap varies significantly by state. In Illinois, Sociologists earn $140,770 vs. $98,270 for Occupational Health and Safety Specialists. See the state comparison table on this page for the full picture.