According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of occupational health and safety specialists and technicians is projected to grow 5 percent from 2021 to 2031, about as fast as the average for all occupations. About 14,500 openings for occupational health and safety specialists and technicians are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Occupational health and safety specialists and technicians will be needed to work in a variety of industries and government agencies to ensure that employers are adhering to both existing and new regulations.
Regardless of U.S. labor market conditions one constant holds true: Education boosts earnings and reduces unemployment.
According to the Association of Public & Land-Grant Universities (APLU) the earnings gap between college graduates and those with less education continues to widen. In 2021, median income for recent graduates reached $52,000 a year for bachelor’s degree holders aged 22–27. For high school graduates the same age, median earnings were $30,000 a year.
Those with a bachelor’s degree earn, on average, 75% more over the course of their lifetime.* In addition to increased earning potential, a bachelor’s degree can provide opportunities for promotion or entry into a new career.
*Georgetown University Center on Education and Workforce
People with a bachelor’s degree earn on average
*National job opportunities data is based on national medians and figures from the Bureau of Labor Statistics occupational outlook handbook.
*Local job opportunities data is based on estimated base pay and figures from Indeed.com.
Earning an occupational safety and health degree from Eastern Kentucky University can be a step on your path to learning and leadership. The safety strategies you learn here can make an immediate impact on your career path and the well-being of workers in your community.
Specialized coursework provides experience and knowledge you can use immediately in your workplace and add to your resume. You will gain a strong understanding of the toxicological effects of certain substances, chemicals and metals; learn to recognize and prevent occupational illnesses; analyze and examine environmental and public health risks, and more.
Set yourself apart in a competitive landscape and gain the skills to become a detail-oriented, problem-solving leader who can protect people from work-related hazards, accidents and harm.
The EKU Office of Academic and Career Services is a one-stop shop for all of your career and professional development needs. We offer a variety of services to current online EKU students and alumni to help you with your career development, decision-making and job search.
Services include: