Many workplaces today strive to make the job environment as safe as possible. In 2022, there were almost 2.8 million injuries and illnesses reported by employers in the United States. This shows there’s an ever-present need for specialized attention to workplace health and safety. Industrial Hygienists use their expertise in science and engineering to ensure workers have a safe place to work.
These individuals are in charge of the health and safety of workers, families, and communities. They’re also enforcers of federal, state, and local laws in the work environment. Industrial hygienists ensure workers’ injuries, impairment of well-being, or illness are anticipated and controlled before they occur.
Industrial Hygienists: Career outlook
The field of Industrial Hygienists looks promising for the next few years. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) estimates that employment rates of Industrial Hygienists will grow by 14 percent between 2023 to 2033. The COVID-19 global pandemic also increased the demand for Industrial Hygienists’ expertise.
More communities and businesses are aware of working toward hazard management and are keen to limit the spread of diseases. If you’re interested in exploring a career as an Industrial Hygienist, there are many lucrative jobs opening up. The BLS reports there will be around 21,900 job openings in this field within the next decade. Other careers related to this sector include health and safety engineers, occupational health, and varying other positions according to your location or industry.
What to expect when working in Industrial Hygiene jobs
The responsibilities of an Industrial Hygienist include identifying and assessing risk factors to people’s health and safety. When these potential threats are identified, you’ll take steps to limit your workers’ exposure to them. There’s more to the job besides touring and inspecting worksites for safety hazards. You can also expect to spend most of your work hours seated at a desk performing tasks, such as creating reports.
Also known as Occupational Hygienists, the need for workers’ safety and minimal environmental mishaps is standard in every workplace. Industrial Hygienists can expect to work in various industries. To succeed as an Industrial Hygienist, you’ll need astute observational and reporting skills. These skills are necessary because you have to take note of small details and any possible health and safety hazards to assess and communicate potential problems. You’ll also need to spot when safety protocols aren’t in place and implement them.
Critical thinking and problem-solving skills come in when you need to develop solutions to safety challenges in the workplace. You’ll also need them to work on strategies to prevent future occurrences. Industrial Hygienists are also expected to have and use practical life-saving skills. Their knowledge of equipment, materials, and other factors threatening the safety of their colleagues and community can save many lives.
Industrial Hygienist salary: What’s the average?
In the United States, the average annual salary for Industrial Hygienists is $97,577 as of November 2024, according to salary.com. However, your salary can range between $71,092 to $132,442 depending on a variety of factors.
Some of these include your location, years of experience, certifications, skills, education, and more. Industrial Hygienists practicing in California can make an average of $107,627 annually, which is about $10K above the national average.
Search for Industrial Hygiene jobs with Certis Solutions
Finding the right Industrial Hygiene job can be time-consuming and complex. However, navigating the job search with the right engineering staffing company helping you makes it easy. Certis Solutions enables its clients to land their dream job roles through resume reviews, interview preparations, and coaching sessions.
Our extensive database of contacts and connections in the AEC industry is valuable in connecting our clients with available job opportunities. Contact us today if you’re interested in pivoting into a new career or a new engineer looking to break into the health and safety field.
