Salary report · US · 2026
Environmental Health & Safety (EHS) Specialist Salary
The average environmental health & safety (ehs) specialist salary is $75,345 per year in the United States in 2026. Base pay runs from $56,000 at the 10th percentile to $99,000 at the 90th, with a median of $75,000. Bonuses add $977–$10,000, putting total pay between roughly $53,000 and $100,000.
Definition & distribution
What is the average environmental health & safety (ehs) specialist salary?
The average base salary for an Environmental Health & Safety (EHS) Specialist is $75,345 per year. The median salary is $75,000, with a range from $56,000 at the 10th percentile to $99,000 at the 90th percentile.
The distance between the 10th percentile ($56,000) and the median ($75,000) suggests that entry-level positions may be significantly lower than the average. Conversely, the 90th percentile ($99,000) indicates that experienced professionals can earn considerably more, reflecting a wide salary range in this field.
Known limitations. The data is based on a sample size of 1,096 profiles, which may not represent all variations in the role. Regional differences and specific employer practices can also affect salary figures.
Pay components
How is environmental health & safety (ehs) specialist total pay structured?
Compensation for EHS Specialists may include base salary and bonuses.
| Component | Low | High | Reading |
|---|---|---|---|
| Base salary | $56,000 | $99,000 | Dense around the $75k median |
| Annual bonus | $977 | $10,000 | Up to ~10% of top-end base |
| Total pay | $53,000 | $100,000 | Base plus reported bonus |
Pay by experience
How does experience change a environmental health & safety (ehs) specialist salary?
As EHS Specialists gain experience, their pay typically increases, reflecting their enhanced skills and responsibilities.
- 01
Entry-Level
Entry-level EHS Specialists can expect to earn around $56,000 per year.
- 02
Mid-Level
Mid-level professionals with several years of experience may earn approximately $75,000 annually.
- 03
Senior-Level
Senior EHS Specialists can achieve salaries near $99,000 per year, depending on their expertise and the complexity of their role.
Skills
Which skills affect a environmental health & safety (ehs) specialist salary?
EHS Specialists benefit from a variety of skills that can enhance their earning potential.
- 01
Safety Compliance — the premium tier
Expertise in safety compliance can lead to higher salaries and greater job security.
- 02
Risk Management / Risk Control — the premium tier
Proficiency in risk management is highly valued and can significantly increase earning potential.
- 03
OSHA Compliance — the promotion tier
Mastering OSHA compliance can position EHS Specialists for advancement into managerial roles.
Geography
Where do environmental health & safety (ehs) specialists earn the most?
Salaries for EHS Specialists can vary significantly by location.
| Metro | Market character | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Houston, TX | Energy & manufacturing hub | Cost of living is moderate, with competitive salaries. |
| San Francisco, CA | Tech & innovation center | High cost of living but offers some of the highest salaries. |
| Chicago, IL | Diverse economy | Offers a balanced cost of living and salary range. |
| Los Angeles, CA | Entertainment & trade | Higher salaries are offset by a high cost of living. |
| Denver, CO | Growing tech & outdoor economy | Moderate cost of living with increasing salary opportunities. |
Check your pay
Where does your salary fall?
Use our salary calculator to see where you stand in the pay distribution.
Raising your pay
How can environmental health & safety (ehs) specialists increase their salary?
There are several strategies to increase your salary as an EHS Specialist.
- 01
Pursue advanced certifications
Obtaining certifications can enhance your qualifications and lead to higher pay.
- 02
Gain specialized experience
Focusing on niche areas within EHS can make you more valuable to employers.
- 03
Network within the industry
Building connections can open doors to higher-paying opportunities.
FAQ
Environmental Health & Safety (EHS) Specialist salary: FAQ
The highest reported salary for an EHS Specialist is $99,000 per year.
The lowest reported salary for an EHS Specialist is $56,000 per year.
You can increase your salary by pursuing advanced certifications, gaining specialized experience, and networking within the industry.
Yes, bonuses can range from $977 to $10,000 depending on performance and company policies.
The salary data is based on a sample of 1,096 profiles and reflects current trends as of 2026.
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