Occupational hygienist salary

Occupational Hygienist: Salaries, Job Duties, and Career Opportunities

Working as an occupational hygienist entails an exciting and rewarding career where you strive to improve the work environment and safety in various workplaces. The profession, also known as an occupational health engineer, involves identifying and analyzing health risks to create safer and healthier working conditions.

Salaries for Occupational Hygienists

The average salary for an occupational hygienist is 51 200 SEK per month. However, there is a gender pay gap in the salaries. Men earn an average of 51 700 SEK while women earn 50 700 SEK, meaning that women earn approximately 98% of what men do. The salary has remained unchanged since the last survey.

The highest salary for an occupational hygienist is 53,900 SEK, and this salary belongs to a male private sector employee with a post-secondary education of three years or more. On the other hand, the highest salary for a female in the same profession is 49,500 SEK. The lowest salary for an occupational hygienist is 36,500 SEK, belonging to a male working in the public sector. For females, the lowest salary is 37,100 SEK.

Job Duties of Occupational Hygienists

As an occupational hygienist, you work on identifying and analyzing health risks in workplaces. This may involve measuring air quality, noise levels, chemical hazards, and other factors that can affect the health of employees. You also develop strategies and action plans to minimize these risks, as well as educate and inform employers and employees about best practices for occupational health and safety.

Education and Qualifications

To become an occupational hygienist, a post-secondary education in occupational health, chemistry, biology, or related fields is usually required. Many occupational hygienists have an engineering degree with a focus on occupational health. It is also important to have knowledge of laws and regulations in the field of occupational health.

Job Outlook

According to the Employment Service, it is difficult to assess the job market for occupational hygienists due to limited data. This means that opportunities may vary depending on the region and employer. Generally, there is a demand for occupational hygienists in both the private and public sectors, especially in larger companies and organizations where occupational health issues are a priority.

Benefits and Working Conditions

The benefits for occupational hygienists can vary depending on the employer. Some employers offer paid training, which can be a significant advantage in staying updated with the latest research findings and techniques in occupational health. Other common benefits may include a company-paid mobile phone and other technical tools needed to perform the job efficiently.

Summary

Working as an occupational hygienist offers a diverse and meaningful career where you have the opportunity to make a real difference in people's health and safety in the workplace. The average salary is competitive, and there are opportunities to specialize and grow within the field. If you are interested in occupational health and safety and want to work in preventive healthcare, a career as an occupational hygienist may be the right choice for you.