Average Occupational Health and Safety Specialists Salary in West Kentucky nonmetropolitan area
Occupational Health and Safety Specialists in the West Kentucky nonmetropolitan area earn an average annual salary of $79,010. This figure is notably below the national average of $89,300, reflecting regional economic factors and potentially a different industry focus within the area. The specific demand and industry mix in West Kentucky directly influence compensation levels for these crucial safety roles.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $79,010 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 7.6% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $110,140.
- Outlook: The West Kentucky nonmetropolitan area demonstrates a significant concentration of Occupational Health and Safety Specialists, with a Location Quotient of 2.41, indicating a demand nearly 2.5 times the national average. Despite a total local workforce of 260 specialists, this high concentration suggests a robust job market for OHS professionals, with 2.011 jobs per 1,000 workers.
Salary Overview
The average Occupational Health and Safety Specialists in West Kentucky nonmetropolitan area earns-11.5%below the national average.
$38
$1,519
$6,584
Occupational Health and Safety Specialists Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for West Kentucky is not provided, it is generally assumed that salaries for Occupational Health and Safety Specialists have experienced steady growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. This growth is driven by increasing regulatory compliance needs and a heightened awareness of workplace safety across various industries.
Occupational Health and Safety Specialists Salary Distribution in West Kentucky nonmetropolitan area
Salary progression for Occupational Health and Safety Specialists in West Kentucky typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower percentiles, while seasoned professionals with specialized certifications and extensive experience can command salaries in the upper percentiles. The gap between entry-level and senior roles signifies a clear career ladder with significant earning potential.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Junior / AssociateEntry level. Focus on learning core skills & codebase. | 10% (Entry) | $40,550 | $19.5 |
| Engineer IProficient contributor. Handles tasks independently. | 25% (Junior) | $59,258 | $28.5 |
| Senior EngineerSystem design, complex problem solving, mentoring. | 50% (Median) | $79,910 | $38.4 |
| Lead / StaffTechnical strategy, architecture, cross-team impact. | 75% (Senior) | $98,763 | $47.5 |
| Principal / ArchitectIndustry expert. Driving technical vision & innovation. | 90% (Expert) | $110,140 | $53 |
Detailed Occupational Health and Safety Specialists Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$79,010
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$79,010
Adjusted for COL (100)
The nominal salary of $79,010 in West Kentucky aligns perfectly with the national average cost of living, indicated by an index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of an OHS Specialist's salary in this region is equivalent to the national average, making it a stable financial environment for professionals.
Job Market Context
260
Total Jobs
2.011
Per 1K Jobs
2.41
Location Quotient
West Kentucky nonmetropolitan area has 2.4x 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 exceptionally high Location Quotient of 2.41 for Occupational Health and Safety Specialists in West Kentucky signifies a market with a significantly higher concentration of these roles compared to the national average. This suggests a strong, specialized demand within the region, potentially indicating fewer but more targeted opportunities for OHS professionals.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Occupational Health and Safety Specialists
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Lexington-Fayette, KY Occupational Health and Safety Specialists Salary | $81,950↑ 4% | 28 mi |
| Elizabethtown, KY Occupational Health and Safety Specialists Salary | $76,650↓ 3% | 66 mi |
| Louisville/Jefferson County, KY-IN Occupational Health and Safety Specialists Salary | $81,730↑ 3% | 72 mi |
| Cincinnati, OH-KY-IN Occupational Health and Safety Specialists Salary | $91,000↑ 15% | 100 mi |
Comparing salaries near West Kentucky nonmetropolitan area
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Occupational Health and Safety Specialists make in West Kentucky nonmetropolitan area?
The median annual salary for a Occupational Health and Safety Specialists in West Kentucky nonmetropolitan area is $79,010. This typically ranges from $40,550 for entry-level positions to $110,140 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in West Kentucky nonmetropolitan area is 11.5% lower than the national median of $89,300.
Is West Kentucky nonmetropolitan area a lucrative place for Occupational Health and Safety Specialists?
No, not when compared to the national average salary.While the average salary of $79,010 is substantial, it falls short of the national average of $89,300. However, the cost of living is also at the national average, meaning the take-home pay has equivalent purchasing power.
Is West Kentucky nonmetropolitan area a good place to live for Occupational Health and Safety Specialists?
The Cost of Living Index in West Kentucky nonmetropolitan area is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near West Kentucky nonmetropolitan area?
Some top paying nearby cities include Lexington-Fayette, KY ($81,950) and Elizabethtown, KY.
How does the concentration of OHS jobs in West Kentucky compare nationally?
The Location Quotient of 2.41 indicates that Occupational Health and Safety Specialists are more than twice as concentrated in West Kentucky compared to the national average, suggesting a specialized regional demand.
What is the purchasing power of an OHS Specialist's salary in West Kentucky?
With a Cost of Living Index of 100, the same as the national average, the $79,010 salary in West Kentucky offers the same purchasing power as the national average salary.
How many OHS jobs are there per thousand workers in West Kentucky?
There are approximately 2.011 Occupational Health and Safety Specialist jobs per 1,000 workers in the West Kentucky nonmetropolitan area.
Is the OHS job market in West Kentucky considered competitive?
Given the high concentration (LQ of 2.41) and a relatively small total workforce (260), the market may be competitive for highly specialized roles but indicates a strong presence of the profession within the region.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 260 employees in the West Kentucky nonmetropolitan area area with a job density of 2.011 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 West Kentucky nonmetropolitan area