Job Outlook

The primary responsibility of the safety profession is to protect our most precious resource, fellow human beings, by assuring every person a safe and healthful place to work. No matter what a company's business is, its employees can encounter some type of hazard. Even working at a computer can be hazardous: producing long-term injuries to the hand and wrist, back, or other parts of the body. There are job opportunities for safety professionals in every part of the United States and internationally as well. The job outlook for college graduates in occupational safety and health is extremely good and starting salaries are competitive with those of other fields.

Competitive starting salaries

A salary survey conducted by the Board of Certified Safety Professionals (BCSP) in collaboration with the National Safety Council (NSC) in 2023 found the median salaries for safety professional with a Bachelor's degree is $100,000 and someone with a Master's degree is $115,000.

Overall, the median base salary for all safety professionals participating in the survey was $105,000.

Our students find careers

Our students have excellent placement opportunities. You receive one-on-one assistance in creating and growing a professional resume, as well as mock interview opportunities. The department provides your resume to numerous safety professional contacts who travel to Murray State to conduct both information sessions and interviews within the department for full-time placement. We make every effort for you to be placed to your best career advantage.

Typical job titles

• Safety Manager
• Environmental Health and Safety Specialist
• Risk Manager
• Loss Control Consultant
• Industrial Hygienist
• Emergency Management