Safety, Security & Emergency Management Opportunities

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Set the Safety Bar Others Will Follow

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.

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Next Steps for Your Future

Whether or not you choose to earn a master’s degree after earning your bachelor’s is highly dependent on your field and career goals. In many fields a master’s degree can increase promotion potential or boost earning power. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median weekly earnings of someone holding a master’s degree in 2021 was $1,574, compared to the average median weekly salary of $1,334 earned by those with a bachelor’s degree. That’s a pay difference of more than 16%.

It’s important to understand that educational requirements and preferences will vary greatly by field and even by organization. Be sure to familiarize yourself with these requirements and preferences to help you stand out from the competition.

Note: Data is based on Bureau of Labor Statistics Employment Projections: Earnings and unemployment rates by educational attainment, 2021

People with a master’s degree earn

+0%
more on average than those with only a bachelor's

Popular Occupational Health and Safety Careers

Occupational Health & Safety Specialist

National Median Annual Salary
$74,870/year
5% growth increase thru 2031
Local Estimated Base Salary
$75,084/year
updated May 2023
Organizations for Safety Managers in Kentucky
GRAY, Inc.
$85,500
GXO Logistics
$75,600
Heaven Hill Brands
$65,800
Bachelor's typically required for entry-level positions

Industrial Production Managers

National Median Annual Salary
$103,150/year
3% growth increase thru 2031
Local Estimated Base Salary
$106,909/year
updated May 2023
Organizations for Manufacturing Manager in Kentucky
Schneider Electric
$115,000
J.M. Smucker Company
$98,800
Brown-Forman
$95,200
Bachelor's typically required for entry-level positions

Facilities Manager

National Median Annual Salary
$99,290/year
7% growth increase thru 2031
Local Estimated Base Salary
$61,530/year
updated May 2023
Organizations for Facility Manager in Kentucky
Brown-Forman
$108,000
Louisville Water Co
$93,000
Sazerac Company
$82,000
Bachelor's typically required for entry-level positions

*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.

Other Occupational Health and Safety Careers Careers

  • Facilities Manager
  • Occupational Safety & Health Manager or Specialist
  • Occupational Safety and Health Technician
  • First Line Supervisors of Production and Operating Workers
  • Manufacturing Manager
  • Environmental Health Officer
  • Health and Safety Advisor
  • Occupational Health and Safety Officer
  • Industrial Hygienist
  • Injury Prevention Specialist

EKU Occupational Safety Program in the Workforce

Where Have EKU Occupational Safety Graduates Worked?
  • Toyota
  • Ceco Concrete Construction, L.L.C
  • Fairfax County (VA) Government
  • Southeast Kentucky Community & Technical College
  • Commonwealth of Kentucky
  • Central Peninsula Hospital
  • Chevron Corporation
  • OMT-Veyhl
  • Comcast Cable
  • Hall Contracting of Kentucky, Inc.
Increase Your Earning and Advancement Potential

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. 

EKU Online Career Services

Career planning is tough, but with EKU you don’t have to tackle the process alone.

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:

  • Creating/Updating Your Resume and Cover Letter
  • Interviewing Tips and Coaching
  • Career Documents Review
  • Job Search
  • “I can confidently say that — as someone who doesn’t even live in the United States — EKU’s online program has been extremely accommodating and flexible. I can discuss advising appointments over email, and I can have my textbooks shipped to my address overseas.” – Sydney Garner Lewis
  • “After the birth of our first child, I knew I needed to go back and finish what I started,” said McKenzie. “I was happy that I could pick up where I left off at EKU even though I lived in a different state.” – EKU Online student and mom
  • “I chose EKU because I am a unique student with unique needs, and EKU provides an avenue for students like me to succeed.” – EKU Online Psychology student Jason Tate
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