OSHA / Workplace Safety Inspector

Examine, evaluate, and investigate eligibility for or conformity with laws and regulations governing contract compliance of licenses and permits, and perform other compliance and enforcement inspection and analysis activities not classified elsewhere.

O*NET definition of Compliance Officers (SOC 13-1041) · Job Zone Four: Considerable Preparation Needed.

Review, evaluate, and analyze work environments and design programs and procedures to control, eliminate, and prevent disease or injury caused by chemical, physical, and biological agents or ergonomic factors. May conduct inspections and enforce adherence to laws and regulations governing the health and safety of individuals. May be employed in the public or private sector.

O*NET definition of Occupational Health and Safety Specialists (SOC 19-5011) · Job Zone Four: Considerable Preparation Needed.

Education workers say the job requires

Share of surveyed workers in Occupational Health and Safety Specialists (SOC 19-5011) naming each level as required to be hired, 23 respondents, O*NET survey August 2024. Each employer sets its own minimum.

Compliance officers typically need a bachelor's degree to enter the occupation. They often receive training on the job. Employers may prefer or require candidates to have experience related to the position.

From the BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook profile “Compliance Officers”, published August 27, 2026 · Read the full profile. National guidance; each employer runs its own hiring process.

Compliance Officers (SOC 13-1041)

Median annual wage by employer type, national, May 2025. Federal includes the U.S. Postal Service; state and local include public schools and hospitals.

Occupational Health and Safety Specialists (SOC 19-5011)

Median annual wage by employer type, national, May 2025. Federal includes the U.S. Postal Service; state and local include public schools and hospitals.

State government pay plans

Official pay ranges for the job classes that match OSHA / Workplace Safety Inspector in 4 state civil-service plans. They cover state employees only, not cities, counties or school districts.

Lowest class minimum to highest class maximum. Rates are converted from each plan's pay period; the plans publish the exact rates. Classes are matched to this job by title (GovJobsWiki editorial rule).

Sources: 4 official state pay plans, linked in each row.

1. Warn violators of infractions or penalties.4.4
2. Evaluate applications, records, or documents to gather information about eligibility or liability issues.4.4
3. Advise licensees or other individuals or groups concerning licensing, permit, or passport regulations.4.4
4. Prepare reports of activities, evaluations, recommendations, or decisions.4.3
5. Report law or regulation violations to appropriate boards or agencies.4.2
6. Confer with or interview officials, technical or professional specialists, or applicants to obtain information or to clarify facts relevant to licensing decisions.4.1

The 6 most important of 6 core tasks for Compliance Officers, ranked by importance (1–5) in the O*NET survey of November 2020.

1. Recommend measures to help protect workers from potentially hazardous work methods, processes, or materials.4.6
2. Order suspension of activities that pose threats to workers' health or safety.4.4
3. Develop or maintain hygiene programs, such as noise surveys, continuous atmosphere monitoring, ventilation surveys, or asbestos management plans.4.4
4. Investigate accidents to identify causes or to determine how such accidents might be prevented in the future.4.3
5. Inspect or evaluate workplace environments, equipment, or practices to ensure compliance with safety standards and government regulations.4.1
6. Collaborate with engineers or physicians to institute control or remedial measures for hazardous or potentially hazardous conditions or equipment.4.1
7. Collect samples of dust, gases, vapors, or other potentially toxic materials for analysis.4.1
8. Investigate the adequacy of ventilation, exhaust equipment, lighting, or other conditions that could affect employee health, comfort, or performance.4.0
9. Conduct safety training or education programs and demonstrate the use of safety equipment.4.0
10. Investigate health-related complaints and inspect facilities to ensure that they comply with public health legislation and regulations.4.0

The 10 most important of 19 core tasks for Occupational Health and Safety Specialists, ranked by importance (1–5) in the O*NET survey of August 2024.