ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES
Industrial Hygienist
To be a successful Industrial Hygienist you should...
have an ability and a strong interest in science; have the ability to follow a problem to conclusion; have the ability to work with govenrmental regulations; have the ability to exercise patience, flexibility and a willingness to work in different locations under a variety of conditions.
What will my job be like?
Industrial hygienist are committed to protecting the health and safety of people in the workplace and the community. They investigate and examine the workplace for hazards and potential dangers, make recommendations on improving the safety of workers and the surrounding community. They develop techniques to control or eliminate possible dangerous situations in the workplace and the community. They train and educate the community about job-related risks; advise government officials in the development of regulations to ensure the health and safety of workers and their families; and ensure that workers are properly following health and safety procedures.
Where could I work?
Industrial hygienist work for consulting firms, government agencies, private industry, and manufacturing and environmental agencies. Workplace safety is a growing concern for employers and employees. Complex automated machinery and stricter government guidelines will increase the need for industrial hygenists. The need for this career will increase in the future.
Average Annual Salary
$77,580 per year
What is the future of this career?
Overall employment of occupational health and safety specialists and technicians is projected to grow 14 percent from 2023 to 2033, much faster than the average for all occupations.
About 18,200 openings for occupational health and safety specialists and technicians are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.
Type of Education/Training
Industrial hygienist generally have a college degree in one of the sciences or engineering. Most have graduate degrees in occupational safety and health, environmental health engineering, physical or natural science, or environmental health sciences.
Where could I get the education/training?
- University of New Haven
Licensing/Certification
Licensure is not required in the state of Connecticut.
More Information
Board for Global EHS Credentialing (BGC)
P.O. Box 610
Holt, MI 48842
American Industrial Hygiene Association
3120 Fairview Park Drive | Suite 360
Falls Church, VA 22042
703-849-8888
