Health and safety engineers develop and enforce standards that protect workers and the public from hazards. You'll evaluate compliance, inspect equipment and facilities, and solve problems on the job. You can start with a high school diploma and on-the-job training.
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Health and safety engineers design systems and policies to keep people safe at work and in public spaces. You evaluate information to determine whether operations meet safety standards. You inspect equipment, structures, and materials for hazards. You get information from multiple sources, make decisions about risk, and communicate findings to supervisors and teams. You document your inspections and recommendations in detail. The work draws on knowledge of engineering, public safety, administration, and law. You'll spend time both in offices reviewing data and on job sites observing conditions firsthand.
Core work activities
Career video courtesy of CareerOneStop.
Health and Safety Engineers, Except Mining Safety Engineers and Inspectors earn a median of $115,160 a year, based on 2025 data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Pay rises with experience, specialty, and location.
The outlook is steady. Employment is projected to grow 4 percent from 2024 to 2034, about as fast as average for all occupations, with about 1,500 openings a year.
Top skills
Knowledge areas
You can enter this field with a high school diploma, though the role requires considerable preparation and learning on the job. Start by gaining experience in a related field or entry-level safety role. Many employers provide on-the-job training as you learn regulations, inspection techniques, and safety systems specific to your industry. You'll develop strong reading comprehension and writing skills to interpret standards and document findings. Consider taking courses in engineering, public safety, or occupational health to build your knowledge base and advance your career.
Paths into health and safety engineering vary by industry and employer, so explore what training and credentials make sense for your situation. Use Pathly can map the health and safety engineer, except mining safety engineer and inspector path that fits you to map out your next steps with your counselor and turn your interest into a concrete plan.
Many health and safety engineer, except mining safety engineer and inspectors must be licensed, and professional certifications can strengthen your resume.
Common certifications
Licensing is handled at the state level and the requirements vary, so check the licensing board in your state. Pathly shows your state's specific steps inside your roadmap.
You're a natural fit if you enjoy investigating problems, analyzing information, and thinking critically about how systems work and where risks hide.
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Last updated July 1, 2026.
Data sources. Career details from the O*NET 30.3 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under CC BY 4.0. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. Salary and outlook figures from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (May 2025 wages; 2024–2034 projections), delivered via the CareerOneStop API. Certification, licensing, wage, and outlook data from CareerOneStop, sponsored by USDOL/ETA and the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED).