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Workplace Safety Inspector I Salary in the United States

How much does a Workplace Safety Inspector I make in the United States?

As of October 01, 2026, the average salary for a Workplace Safety Inspector I in the United States is $61,420 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $30.

However, a Workplace Safety Inspector I's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $76,226
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $56,630 to $69,170
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $52,269
Salary Factors Salary-Boosting Skills Salary by Experience Related Job Salaries Top Paying Cities Explore Related Jobs

Key Factors That Influence Workplace Safety Inspector I Salaries

A Workplace Safety Inspector I's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location, education and company size can directly affect your earning potential.

How Experience Level Affects Workplace Safety Inspector Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of a Workplace Safety Inspector I's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here's how the average salary grows at different career stages:

  • Workplace Safety Inspector I (0-1 years): $61,419
  • Intermediate Safety Technician (1-3 years): $65,779
  • Senior Safety Technician (3-5 years): $72,959
  • Expert Safety Technician (5-7 years): $86,104
  • Labor Safety Supervisor (7+ years): $90,944
Job Role Years of Experience Average Salary
Workplace Safety Inspector I0-1 years$61,419
Intermediate Safety Technician1-3 years$65,779
Senior Safety Technician3-5 years$72,959
Expert Safety Technician5-7 years$86,104
Labor Safety Supervisor7+ years$90,944
View as Graph

How Do Workplace Safety Inspector I Salaries Vary from State to State?

Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract Workplace Safety Inspector Is. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
  • District of Columbia: $68,010.
  • California: $67,750.
  • Massachusetts: $66,850.

Top Paying Cities for Workplace Safety Inspector Is

Salaries can also vary between different cities. Major metropolitan areas or cities with a high demand for technicians often offer more competitive pay. Here are a few examples of average annual salaries in different U.S. cities:

  • San Jose: $77,470
  • San Francisco: $76,620
  • Oakland: $75,010

What Skills Can Increase a Workplace Safety Inspector I's Salary?

Demanded Skills for the Role:

  • Customer Service (Mentioned in 10.64% Job Postings): Customer service is the provision of service to customers before, during and after a purchase. The perception of success of such interactions is dependent on employees "who can adjust themselves to the personality of the guest". Customer service concerns the priority an organization assigns to customer service relative to components such as product innovation and pricing. In this sense, an organization that values good customer service may spend more money in training employees than the average organization or may proactively interview customers for feedback. From the point of view of an overall sales process engineering effort, customer service plays an important role in an organization's ability to generate income and revenue. From that perspective, customer service should be included as part of an overall approach to systematic improvement. One good customer service experience can change the entire perception a customer holds towards the organization.
  • Preventative Maintenance (Mentioned in 2.84% Job Postings): Developing and implementing maintenance strategies to increase equipment life expectancy and avoid unplanned downtime.
  • Safety Training (Mentioned in 1.6% Job Postings): Providing learning programs designed to train employees on precautionary processes and procedures to perform their duties safely and effectively.
Skills Demand Percentage
Customer Service 10.64%
Preventative Maintenance 2.84%
Safety Training 1.6%
See More Skills

What skills can make your compensation higher?

Mastering certain specialized skills can lead to a significant increase in pay. Here are examples of skills and the potential impact they can have on a Workplace Safety Inspector I's salary.

  • Career Development: Can increase your salary by up to 18%.
  • Chemistry: Can increase your salary by up to 17%.
  • Insight: Can increase your salary by up to 17%.
Skill Salary Salary % Increase
Career Development $72,476
18%
Chemistry $71,861
17%
Insight $71,861
17%
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Workplace Safety Inspector I Salary by Company Size: Startups vs. Enterprise

Workplace Safety Inspector I salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $68,569. While startup companies pay approximate $58,061.

Workplace Safety Inspector I Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup 1~50 $58,061
Growth Stage 51~500 $61,392
Established 501~5000 $66,209
Enterprise 5000+ $68,569

Workplace Safety Inspector I Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Workplace Safety Inspector I roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 40% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Aerospace & Defense and Business Services sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 20% above the average. In contrast, Workplace Safety Inspector positions in Biotechnology or Transportation typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Workplace Safety Inspector I as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industry for a Workplace Safety Inspector I

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Aerospace & Defense$73,704$35.020%

How Education impacts a Workplace Safety Inspector I's Salary?

Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Workplace Safety Inspector Is enter the field with a Associate's Degree degree, higher education can lead to more specialized and higher-paying roles.

According to our 100% employer-reported salary data, the median salary for a Workplace Safety Inspector I with a Associate's Degree is between $46,546 and $48,985).

Workplace Safety Inspector I Salaries by Degree Level

Typical Education for Workplace Safety Inspector I
Degree Level % of user with this level of education
No Diploma 4.3%
High School 25.5%
Associates 12.8%
Bachelors 46.8%
Masters 10.6%
Doctorate 0.0%
View as Graph

Workplace Safety Inspector I Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how a Workplace Safety Inspector I's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.

Last Updated on October 01, 2026
$56,630
Average $61,420/year
$69,170
$4,719
Average $5,118/month
$5,764
$1,089
Average $1,181/week
$1,330
$27
Average $30/hour
$33
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $69,170 $5,764 $1,330 $33
Average $61,420 $5,118 $1,181 $30
25th Percentile $56,630 $4,719 $1,089 $27

Workplace Safety Inspector I Salary Growth & Career Path

Workplace Safety Inspector I

Next Role

Advancement

Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As a Workplace Safety Inspector I, you have the following paths for advancement. The table below compares the salary raises for common next-step roles. By comparing these figures, you can choose the career path that best meets your financial goals.

Next Step Role Estimate Salary Projected Raise
Intermediate Safety Technician $65,800 7%
Workplace Hazard Prevention Technician $63,600 4%

Most common benefits for Workplace Safety Inspector I

  • Social Security
  • 401 (k)
  • Disability
  • Healthcare
  • Pension
  • Time Off (days)

Common company salaries for Workplace Safety Inspector I

Here are companies hiring for Workplace Safety Inspector I and their salaries, click below for more details.

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FAQ about Workplace Safety Inspector I

1. What industry pays the highest salary for Workplace Safety Inspector I?

The Aerospace & Defense industry offers the highest average compensation for Workplace Safety Inspector I roles, with salaries approximately 20% above the market median.

2. Does OSHA pay good?

OSHA salaries for Workplace Safety Inspectors range from a minimum of $45,410 to a maximum of $63,450, with a mid-salary of $49,650. This indicates competitive pay within the field, reflecting the importance of safety oversight in various industries. Overall, OSHA offers a solid compensation structure for its inspectors.

3. What is the highest salary of an inspector?

The highest salary for a Workplace Safety Inspector is ₹63,450 per year. The average starting salary is around ₹49,650 annually, with a minimum salary of ₹45,410. Typically, 1 year of experience is required for this role.

4. What degree do you need for OSHA?

To become a Workplace Safety Inspector for OSHA, a bachelor's degree in occupational safety, environmental health, or a related field is typically required. This role offers a salary range from $45,410 to $63,450, with a median salary of $49,650, reflecting the importance of education and experience in ensuring workplace safety.

5. What's the highest paying police job?

High Paying Police Jobs include positions like Police Captain, with salaries ranging from $87,000 to $172,500 per year, and Chief of Police, earning between $100,500 and $165,000. Other roles such as Police Lieutenant and Assistant Chief of Police also offer competitive salaries. For a related role, a Workplace Safety Inspector earns between $45,410 and $63,450 annually.

6. How to get hired at OSHA?

To get hired at OSHA, follow these steps: Step 1: Pass the required exam. Step 2: Apply for available job openings. Step 3: Interview for the position. As a Workplace Safety Inspector, you can expect a salary ranging from $45,410 to $63,450, with a midpoint salary of $49,650, reflecting the importance of this role in ensuring workplace safety.

7. What is the highest salary of an inspector?

The highest salary for a Workplace Safety Inspector is $63,450 per year. The average starting salary is approximately $45,410 annually, with a mid-range salary of $49,650. Typically, a minimum of one year of experience is required for this role.

Where Does Our Salary Data Come From?

Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.

We offer detailed salary information across multiple percentiles for your reference. (Click here to learn Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial for Achieving Pay Equity.)

With the most extensive online, real-time compensation data available, Salary.com helps you pinpoint your exact pay target.

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