Keeping people safe is an important job. Did you know there are many growing careers that focus on protecting workers and the general public? People in these occupations combine technical knowledge with an understanding of safety regulations to inspect, monitor and respond in a variety of settings.
Here are 10 safety-related occupations all pay at least the median annual wage – and six require less than a bachelor’s degree.
Agricultural inspectors examine agricultural products, processing equipment and facilities, and fish and logging operations to make sure they comply with the laws around safety and quality.
2020 median pay: $46,700
Typical entry-level education: Bachelor’s degree
Number of jobs (2019): 15,200
Projected growth, 2019-29: 2% (slower than average)
Occupational openings, 2019-29 annual average: 2,200
Construction and building inspectors
What they do: Construction and building inspectors ensure buildings and infrastructure – such as bridges, highways and water systems – comply with safety regulations. They also inspect electrical, heating and plumbing systems.
2020 median pay: $62,860
Typical entry-level education: High school diploma or equivalent
Number of jobs (2019): 120,800
Projected growth, 2019-29: 3% (as fast as average)
Occupational openings, 2019-29 annual average: 13,500
Emergency management directors
What they do: Emergency management directors prepare plans and procedures for responding to natural disasters and other emergencies. They also help lead the response during and after emergencies, often in coordination with public safety officials, elected officials, nonprofit organizations and government agencies.
2020 median pay: $76,250
Typical entry-level education: Bachelor’s degree
Number of jobs (2019): 10,400
Projected growth, 2019-29: 4% (as fast as average)
Occupational openings, 2019-29 annual average: 700
Fire inspectors and investigators
What they do: Fire inspectors examine buildings in order to detect fire hazards and ensure that federal, state and local fire codes are met. Fire investigators determine the origin and cause of fires and explosions.
2020 median pay: $64,610
Typical entry-level education: Postsecondary nondegree award
Number of jobs (2019): 14,200
Projected growth, 2019-29: 6% (faster than average)