Career Explorer Science
Human edge, growing
Occupational health and safety technicians
Collect data on work environments for analysis by occupational health and safety specialists. Implement and conduct evaluation of programs designed to limit chemical, physical, biological, and ergonomic risks to workers.
Among the most resilient careers: more resilient than 92% of the 831 careers we score. AI exposure is moderate (the Bureau of Labor Statistics rates it moderate), and US jobs are projected to change by +19.4% by 2035, much faster than average. The work leans on ethical judgement and emotional intelligence.
AI struggles with much of this work, and US employers are expected to hire more people into it than average.
- Median pay (2025)
- $61,560
- Job growth to 2035
- +19.4%
- Openings a year
- 3,800
- People doing it (2025)
- 31,200
- Usual route in
- High school diploma, then moderate on-the-job training
Where people already use AI for this work
- Advise others on healthcare or wellness issues
- Research healthcare issues
- Provide information or assistance to the public
From Microsoft Research, Working with AI (2025).
Work AI rarely helps with
- Monitor operations to ensure compliance with regulations or standards
- Inspect facilities or equipment
- Test sites or materials for environmental hazards
What the work looks like
- Evaluate situations or make determinations when a worker has refused to work on the grounds that danger or potential harm exists.
- Supply, operate, or maintain personal protective equipment.
- Train workers in safety procedures related to green jobs, such as the use of fall protection devices or maintenance of proper ventilation during wind turbine construction.
- Test workplaces for environmental hazards, such as exposure to radiation, chemical or biological hazards, or excessive noise.
- Maintain all required environmental records and documentation.
From O*NET 31.0, US Department of Labor.
What the Bureau of Labor Statistics expects
- More of these jobs, as employers increasingly prioritize worker health and safety. This will be largely driven by an increased focus on employee well-being, the introduction of new technologies in the workplace, and a greater prevalence of climate-related hazards.
Careers using similar strengths, with a stronger outlook
- Forest fire inspectors and prevention specialistsHuman edge, growing, Index 99, +13.1%
- Animal trainersHuman edge, growing, Index 94, +4.2%
- Aircraft cargo handling supervisorsHuman edge, growing, Index 97, +9.2%
- Home health and personal care aidesHuman edge, growing, Index 99, +18.1%
Also known as: Certified Industrial Hygienist (CIH), Construction Safety Consultant, Industrial Hygienist, Safety Specialist, Advisory Industrial Hygienist, EHS Advisor (Environmental, Health, and Safety Advisor), Health and Safety Technician (Health and Safety Tech), Industrial Hygiene Consultant.
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Sources: US Bureau of Labor Statistics Employment Projections 2025 to 2035; O*NET 31.0; Microsoft Research (2025); Anthropic Economic Index (2026); Eloundou and colleagues (Science, 2024); Felten, Raj and Seamans (2023). How we score. Updated 12 October 2026.