Occupational Health and Safety Specialists in the Southwest Virginia nonmetropolitan area earn an average annual salary of $85,320. This figure is slightly below the national average of $89,300, suggesting that while demand exists, regional economic factors and industry concentration may influence compensation levels. The specific needs and economic landscape of this nonmetropolitan region play a crucial role in determining the pay scale for these vital safety professionals.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $85,320 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 18.3% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $124,090.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of 240 Occupational Health and Safety Specialists, the Southwest Virginia nonmetropolitan area demonstrates a dedicated professional community. The Location Quotient of 2.49 indicates a significantly higher concentration of these specialists compared to the national average, signaling robust demand and a specialized job market within the region. This concentration suggests that OHS professionals are a key component of the local employment ecosystem.
Salary Overview
The average Occupational Health and Safety Specialists in Southwest Virginia nonmetropolitan area earns-4.5%below the national average.
$41
$1,641
$7,110
Occupational Health and Safety Specialists Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for this precise region isn't provided, it's reasonable to assume a general upward trend in salaries for Occupational Health and Safety Specialists over the past four years, mirroring national patterns. Factors such as increasing regulatory complexity, a heightened focus on workplace safety post-pandemic, and the ongoing need for specialized expertise likely contribute to salary growth, even in nonmetropolitan areas.
Occupational Health and Safety Specialists Salary Distribution in Southwest Virginia nonmetropolitan area
The salary trajectory for Occupational Health and Safety Specialists typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions may start at a lower percentile, while seasoned professionals with extensive expertise and specialized certifications can command salaries in the upper percentiles. The significant gaps between entry-level and senior-level compensation reflect a clear career progression path and the increasing value placed on experience and specialized knowledge within the field.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Junior / AssociateEntry level. Focus on learning core skills & codebase. | 10% (Entry) | $51,360 | $24.7 |
| Engineer IProficient contributor. Handles tasks independently. | 25% (Junior) | $63,990 | $30.8 |
| Senior EngineerSystem design, complex problem solving, mentoring. | 50% (Median) | $80,960 | $38.9 |
| Lead / StaffTechnical strategy, architecture, cross-team impact. | 75% (Senior) | $106,650 | $51.3 |
| Principal / ArchitectIndustry expert. Driving technical vision & innovation. | 90% (Expert) | $124,090 | $59.7 |
Detailed Occupational Health and Safety Specialists Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$85,320
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$85,320
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $85,320 for Occupational Health and Safety Specialists in Southwest Virginia aligns perfectly with the local Cost of Living Index of 100, which is the national average. This means that the nominal salary offers purchasing power equivalent to the national average, making it a stable financial proposition for individuals considering relocation, without the added financial pressure of a higher cost of living.
Job Market Context
240
Total Jobs
2.074
Per 1K Jobs
2.49
Location Quotient
Southwest Virginia nonmetropolitan area has 2.5x the national concentration of Occupational Health and Safety Specialists jobs — a major employment hub for this role. Job seekers will find significantly more opportunities here than in most other areas.
The Location Quotient of 2.49 for Occupational Health and Safety Specialists in Southwest Virginia is a strong indicator of a concentrated job market. This means the region employs more than twice the national average proportion of these specialists relative to its overall workforce. Such a high concentration suggests a competitive environment for new entrants but also signifies a mature and potentially stable market for experienced professionals already established in the area.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Occupational Health and Safety Specialists
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Charlottesville, VA Occupational Health and Safety Specialists Salary | $83,340↓ 2% | 25 mi |
| Richmond, VA Occupational Health and Safety Specialists Salary | $83,890↓ 2% | 41 mi |
| Staunton-Stuarts Draft, VA Occupational Health and Safety Specialists Salary | $80,220↓ 6% | 56 mi |
| Harrisonburg, VA Occupational Health and Safety Specialists Salary | $73,270↓ 14% | 60 mi |
| Lynchburg, VA Occupational Health and Safety Specialists Salary | $76,020↓ 11% | 61 mi |
Comparing salaries near Southwest Virginia nonmetropolitan area
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Occupational Health and Safety Specialists make in Southwest Virginia nonmetropolitan area?
The median annual salary for a Occupational Health and Safety Specialists in Southwest Virginia nonmetropolitan area is $85,320. This typically ranges from $51,360 for entry-level positions to $124,090 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Southwest Virginia nonmetropolitan area is 4.5% lower than the national median of $89,300.
Is Southwest Virginia nonmetropolitan area a lucrative place for Occupational Health and Safety Specialists?
Yes, it offers competitive compensation relative to the cost of living.While the average salary is slightly below the national average, the cost of living is also at the national average, making the purchasing power equivalent. The high concentration of specialists indicates strong regional demand.
Is Southwest Virginia nonmetropolitan area a good place to live for Occupational Health and Safety Specialists?
The Cost of Living Index in Southwest Virginia nonmetropolitan area is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Southwest Virginia nonmetropolitan area?
Some top paying nearby cities include Charlottesville, VA ($83,340) and Richmond, VA.
How does the local OHS specialist workforce compare to the national average?
The local workforce of 240 OHS specialists, combined with a Location Quotient of 2.49, indicates a significantly higher concentration of these professionals in Southwest Virginia compared to the national average.
What is the significance of the Jobs per 1,000 Workers metric?
The figure of 2.074 jobs per 1,000 workers suggests that for every thousand individuals employed in the region, approximately two are Occupational Health and Safety Specialists, highlighting their presence within the local labor market.
How does experience impact an OHS Specialist's salary in this region?
Experience is a key driver of salary growth, with entry-level positions earning less and senior roles commanding higher salaries, reflecting a typical career progression and the increasing value of expertise.
Is the job market for OHS Specialists saturated in Southwest Virginia?
With a Location Quotient of 2.49, the market is more concentrated than the national average, suggesting a robust demand and a specialized job pool rather than saturation.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 240 employees in the Southwest Virginia nonmetropolitan area area with a job density of 2.074 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 Southwest Virginia nonmetropolitan area