Average Occupational Health and Safety Specialists Salary in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC
Occupational Health and Safety Specialists in the Durham-Chapel Hill, NC area earn an impressive average annual salary of $96,080. This figure notably surpasses the national average of $89,300, indicating a strong demand and potentially higher value placed on these critical roles within the region. Local economic factors and industry concentration likely contribute to this elevated compensation.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $96,080 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 15.0% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $141,240.
- Outlook: With a total local workforce of 270 Occupational Health and Safety Specialists, the Durham-Chapel Hill area demonstrates a stable, albeit not overwhelmingly large, presence of these professionals. The Location Quotient of 0.94 suggests that the concentration of these specialists is very close to the national average, implying a balanced demand and supply dynamic within the local job market.
Salary Overview
The average Occupational Health and Safety Specialists in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC earns+7.6%above the national average.
$46.2
$1,848
$8,007
Occupational Health and Safety Specialists Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for the Durham-Chapel Hill area is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that salaries for Occupational Health and Safety Specialists have experienced consistent growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. This growth is typically driven by increasing regulatory complexity, a heightened focus on workplace safety, and the evolving nature of industrial and technological environments.
Occupational Health and Safety Specialists Salary Distribution in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC
Career progression for Occupational Health and Safety Specialists in Durham-Chapel Hill, as elsewhere, is marked by increasing earning potential. Entry-level positions might start closer to the lower percentiles, while seasoned professionals with extensive experience and specialized certifications can command salaries in the upper percentiles, significantly exceeding the average. These percentile gaps clearly signify the value of accumulated expertise and demonstrated success in the field.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Junior / AssociateEntry level. Focus on learning core skills & codebase. | 10% (Entry) | $60,420 | $29 |
| Engineer IProficient contributor. Handles tasks independently. | 25% (Junior) | $72,060 | $34.6 |
| Senior EngineerSystem design, complex problem solving, mentoring. | 50% (Median) | $87,200 | $41.9 |
| Lead / StaffTechnical strategy, architecture, cross-team impact. | 75% (Senior) | $120,100 | $57.7 |
| Principal / ArchitectIndustry expert. Driving technical vision & innovation. | 90% (Expert) | $141,240 | $67.9 |
Detailed Occupational Health and Safety Specialists Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$96,080
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$96,080
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $96,080 for Occupational Health and Safety Specialists in Durham-Chapel Hill aligns perfectly with the local Cost of Living Index of 100, which is the national average. This means that the purchasing power of the salary is equivalent to the national average, offering a stable financial environment for professionals considering relocation or those already established in the area.
Job Market Context
270
Total Jobs
0.782
Per 1K Jobs
0.94
Location Quotient
Durham-Chapel Hill, NC has 0.94x the national average concentration of Occupational Health and Safety Specialists jobs. This means there are fewer opportunities per capita here compared to the U.S. average — competition for roles may be higher.
The Location Quotient of 0.94 for Occupational Health and Safety Specialists in Durham-Chapel Hill indicates a job market that is nearly on par with the national average in terms of concentration. This suggests a competitive but accessible market, where opportunities exist without being overly saturated, providing a healthy environment for both job seekers and employers.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Occupational Health and Safety Specialists
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Raleigh-Cary, NC Occupational Health and Safety Specialists Salary | $88,160↓ 8% | 18 mi |
| Burlington, NC Occupational Health and Safety Specialists Salary | $78,430↓ 18% | 32 mi |
| Greensboro-High Point, NC Occupational Health and Safety Specialists Salary | $83,080↓ 14% | 52 mi |
| Eastern North Carolina nonmetropolitan area Occupational Health and Safety Specialists Salary | $79,250↓ 18% | 56 mi |
| Western North Carolina nonmetropolitan area Occupational Health and Safety Specialists Salary | $77,600↓ 19% | 56 mi |
Comparing salaries near Durham-Chapel Hill, NC
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Occupational Health and Safety Specialists make in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC?
The median annual salary for a Occupational Health and Safety Specialists in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC is $96,080. This typically ranges from $60,420 for entry-level positions to $141,240 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC is 7.6% higher than the national median of $89,300.
Is Durham-Chapel Hill, NC a lucrative place for Occupational Health and Safety Specialists?
Yes, it is a lucrative place for Occupational Health and Safety Specialists.The average salary of $96,080 significantly exceeds the national average, and with a cost of living at the national average, the purchasing power of this salary is strong.
Is Durham-Chapel Hill, NC a good place to live for Occupational Health and Safety Specialists?
The Cost of Living Index in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Durham-Chapel Hill, NC?
Some top paying nearby cities include Raleigh-Cary, NC ($88,160) and Burlington, NC.
How does the local salary compare to the national average?
Occupational Health and Safety Specialists in Durham-Chapel Hill earn an average of $96,080 annually, which is higher than the national average of $89,300.
What is the concentration of OHS Specialists in Durham-Chapel Hill?
The concentration, measured by the Location Quotient, is 0.94, indicating that the density of these specialists in the area is very close to the national average.
How does the cost of living affect the salary in Durham-Chapel Hill?
The Cost of Living Index is 100, meaning it is exactly at the national average. Therefore, the $96,080 salary offers purchasing power equivalent to the national average.
What does the total workforce size suggest about job availability?
With 270 Occupational Health and Safety Specialists in the local workforce, it suggests a stable market with consistent demand for these professionals.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 270 employees in the Durham-Chapel Hill, NC area with a job density of 0.782 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Occupational Health and Safety Specialists • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC