Job diversity is a major benefit to consider when choosing a career in the environmental health and safety arena. Industrial hygienists are not limited to one particular type of industry; they are employed in a variety of organizations such as:
Many industrial hygienists work for private corporations or federal or state government agencies as salaried employees. However, the fastest-growing segment of the industrial hygiene profession is self-employment or consulting. Many industrial hygiene careers can lead to upper management positions, as the hygienist’s job is a multifaceted one that touches every aspect of an organization and benefits a company’s bottom line through increased productivity, improved morale, and lower workers’ compensation and liability costs. The industrial hygienist acts as an adviser, making recommendations and setting standards to keep the workplace safe. This requires working with employees at all job levels and requires a genuine commitment to caring about people and the environment.
Self-starters who take pride in the work and cares about people and the environment are well suited for this profession. Diverse job responsibilities allow the IH to choose from many types of work. Plus, there is always an opportunity to become a consultant and start a business.
The salary depends on many variables, including education, tenure and certification. The following figures are based on the 2008 AIHA salary survey. As of January 1, 2008, 25% of respondents earned $81,000 or less and 25% earned $120,000 or more. The average mean salary for all respondents was $94,947. The median was $90,000 and the maximum was $375,000.
Industrial hygienists generally prepare for their careers by pursuing an undergraduate degree in industrial hygiene or one of the sciences, such as engineering, chemistry, or biology. Many continue on to attain a master’s or doctoral degree in industrial hygiene. Some colleges offer a one-to-three year associate’s degree and a certificate program that qualifies students as industrial hygiene technicians. A technician assists industrial hygienists nd other occupational health and safety professionals in gathering and analyzing data and ensuring that programs and regulations are enforced.
The Certified Industrial Hygienist (CIH) certification distinguishes an industrial hygienist and also advances the profession in general. An industrial hygienist is eligible for certification after working four years in the field. This involves passing a comprehensive one-day certification exam. When the exam is passed and all requirements are met, an industrial hygienist becomes a certified industrial hygienist, also known as a CIH. To maintain certification, the industrial hygienist participates in continuing education programs. For more information about certification go to the American Board of Industrial Hygiene (ABIH), www.abih.org.
Twenty two universities currently offer ABET accredited industrial hygiene masters level programs.