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VP of Safety Salary in the United States

How much does a VP of Safety make in the United States?

As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for a VP of Safety in the United States is $197,807 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $95.

However, a VP of Safety's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $223,571
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $183,165 to $211,293
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $169,834
Salary Factors Salary-Boosting Skills Salary by Experience Related Job Salaries Top Paying Cities Explore Related Jobs

Key Factors That Influence VP of Safety Salaries

A VP of Safety'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 and company size can directly affect your earning potential.

How Experience Level Affects VP of Safety Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of a VP of Safety'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:

  • Safety Supervisor (10+ years): $90,949
  • Safety Manager (10+ years): $100,049
  • Safety Senior Manager (10+ years): $147,214
  • Safety Director (10+ years): $165,017
  • VP of Safety (10+ years): $197,807
Job Role Years of Experience Average Salary
Safety Supervisor10+ years$90,949
Safety Manager10+ years$100,049
Safety Senior Manager10+ years$147,214
Safety Director10+ years$165,017
VP of Safety10+ years$197,807
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How Do VP of Safety 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 VP of Safeties. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
  • District of Columbia: $219,012.
  • California: $218,181.
  • Massachusetts: $215,273.

Top Paying Cities for VP of Safeties

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: $249,494
  • San Francisco: $246,762
  • Oakland: $241,562

VP of Safety Salary by Company Size: Startups vs. Enterprise

VP of Safety salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $221,058. While startup companies pay approximate $186,992.

VP of Safety Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup 1~50 $186,992
Growth Stage 51~500 $197,763
Established 501~5000 $213,459
Enterprise 5000+ $221,058

VP of Safety Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For VP of Safety 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, VP of Safety positions in Biotechnology or Transportation typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view VP of Safety as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industry for a VP of Safety

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Aerospace & Defense$237,368$114.020%

VP of Safety Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how a VP of Safety'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 September 01, 2026
$183,165
Average $197,807/year
$211,293
$15,264
Average $16,484/month
$17,608
$3,522
Average $3,804/week
$4,063
$88
Average $95/hour
$102
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $211,293 $17,608 $4,063 $102
Average $197,807 $16,484 $3,804 $95
25th Percentile $183,165 $15,264 $3,522 $88

Most common benefits for VP of Safety

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

Common company salaries for VP of Safety

Here are companies hiring for VP of Safety and their salaries, click below for more details.

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FAQ about VP of Safety

1. Where can a VP of Safety earn the most?

A VP of Safety's earning potential can vary widely depending on several factors, including location, industry, experience, education, and the specific employer. According to the latest salary data by Salary.com, a VP of Safety earns the most in San Jose, CA, where the annual salary of a VP of Safety is $249,494.

2. What is the highest pay for VP of Safety?

The highest pay for VP of Safety is $223,571.

3. What is the lowest pay for VP of Safety?

The lowest pay for VP of Safety is $169,834.

4. What are the responsibilities of VP of Safety?

Plans and oversees an organization's safety programs, policies, and procedures to promote occupational safety and prevent workplace accidents. Develops processes and standards to inspect and audit the organization's procedures, facilities, and equipment and ensure compliance with safety regulations and requirements. Provides regulatory oversight for incident investigations, ensuring timely, ethical, and compliant reports and documentation. Monitors safety metrics and reports to identify trends and continuously improve safety procedures. Collaborates with senior leaders to proactively identify areas to improve safety measures and integrate best practices into all areas of the business. Requires a bachelor's degree. Typically reports to top management. Manages a departmental function within a broader corporate function. Develops major goals to support broad functional objectives. Approves policies developed within various sub-functions and departments. Typically requires 8+ years of managerial experience. Comprehensive knowledge of the overall departmental function.

5. What industry pays the highest salary for VP of Safety?

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

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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