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How Much Do EHS Directors Earn?

By Ajoy Gonsalves

EHS Industry

October 2, 2022

The field of environment, health, and safety (EHS) is vital to the well-being of both employees and employers alike. As an EHS director, you are responsible for the creation and implementation of policies and procedures designed to ensure compliance with all relevant regulations. But how much does an EHS director make? Read on to find out.

  1. Environmental Health and Safety
  2. EHS Director Salary
    1. Average Base Salary by Industry
    2. National Average Salary in Americas and Europe
  3. What does an EHS director do?
  4. How to Become an EHS Director
  5. How to Search for EHS Director Jobs?
  6. Total Compensation Data for EHS Directors
  7. Is EHS a good career?
  8. What is EHS officer salary in India?
  9. Conclusion

1. Environmental Health and Safety

Environmental health and safety is the study and practice of protecting people, property, and the environment from potential harm. It encompasses a variety of disciplines, including industrial hygiene, occupational health, environmental health, and risk management.

Environmental health and safety professionals work to identify, assess, and control environmental factors that may pose a risk to human health or the environment. They may also develop and implement policies and procedures to mitigate or prevent risks.

Most environmental health and safety programs are voluntary, but some jurisdictions have laws or regulations that require businesses to implement certain measures. For example, many countries have occupational health and safety laws that require employers to provide a safe working environment for their employees.

2. EHS Director Salary

According to the latest data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual salary for an EHS director is $92,760. However, salaries can vary widely depending on experience, location, and other factors. For example, EHS directors in management positions earn a median salary of $106,090 per year, while those in scientific research earn a median salary of $84,230 per year.

Similarly, EHS directors in the top 10th percentile earn an average salary of $134,490 per year, while those in the bottom 10th percentile earn an average salary of $62,470 per year. Finally, the BLS notes that salaries for EHS directors are highest in the following states: California ($118,850), New Jersey ($114,070), Illinois ($113,980), Washington ($112,610), and Maryland ($110,270).

2.1. Average Base Salary by Industry

EHS directors typically have a bachelor's degree in environmental health and safety or a related field. However, some employers may prefer candidates with a master's degree or higher. In addition, EHS directors must have several years of experience working in environmental health and safety. Some positions may also require certification from a professional organization, such as the Board of Environmental Health and Safety Auditor Certification (BEAC).

  • Industry Average Base Salary
  • Construction $102,610
  • Environmental Consulting $93,540
  • Healthcare $95,180
  • Manufacturing $84,580
  • Retail Trade $81,870
  • Scientific Research and Development Services $91,070

2.2. National Average Salary in Americas and Europe

EHS directors in the United States earn an average salary of $92,760 per year, while those in Canada earn an average salary of C$95,771 (US$73,966) per year.

In the United Kingdom, EHS directors earn a median salary of £60,000 (US$78,495) per year. Salaries for EHS directors in Australia and New Zealand are also similar, with the average salary in Australia being AU$100,000 (US$76,570) per year and the average salary in New Zealand being NZD$103,333 (US$69,177) per year. Finally, EHS directors in South Africa earn an average salary of R1,166,667 (US$85,957) per year.

3. What does an EHS director do?

An EHS director is responsible for the creation and implementation of policies and procedures designed to ensure compliance with all relevant regulations. This may include developing and conducting training programs, investigating incidents, and auditing facilities to ensure compliance.

EHS directors may also be responsible for developing emergency response plans and coordinating with local emergency responders. In some cases, EHS directors may also be involved in environmental cleanup efforts or hazardous waste management.

The job of an EHS director can be both challenging and rewarding. It is important work that can make a real difference in the lives of employees and the community at large. If you are interested in a career in environmental health and safety, consider pursuing a degree in occupational health or environmental science. With the right education and experience, you can make a difference in the world of EHS.

4. How to Become an EHS Director

EHS directors typically need at least a bachelor's degree in occupational health, environmental science, or a related field. Many also have a master's degree or higher. In addition, EHS directors must have experience in the field of environmental health and safety.

EHS directors typically work full time, and some may work more than 40 hours per week. They may also be on call 24 hours a day to respond to emergencies.

Working as an EHS director can be both challenging and rewarding. It is important work that can make a real difference in the lives of employees and the community at large. If you are interested in a career in environmental health and safety, consider pursuing a degree in occupational health or environmental science. With the right education and experience, you can make a difference in the world of EHS.

5. How to Search for EHS Director Jobs?

There are many ways to search for jobs as an EHS director. The most common way is to use a job search engine, such as Indeed.com or Monster.com. You can also search for jobs on the websites of specific companies that interest you. Finally, you can also use LinkedIn to find job postings and contact potential employers directly.

When searching for jobs, be sure to use relevant keywords, such as “environmental health and safety” and “EHS director.” You can also specify your desired location, industry, and job type (full-time, part-time, etc.).

If you have a degree in occupational health or environmental science, you may want to consider pursuing a career in environmental health and safety. With the right education and experience, you can make a difference in the world of EHS.

6. Total Compensation Data for EHS Directors

The total compensation for EHS directors can vary depending on experience, education, and location. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median salary for occupational health and safety specialists was $73,210 per year in May 2019. The top 10% earned more than $118,430, while the bottom 10% earned less than $43,490.

EHS directors who work in the construction industry tend to earn the highest salaries, followed by those who work in environmental consulting, healthcare, and manufacturing. Retail trade and scientific research and development services are among the industries with the lowest average salaries for EHS directors.

In addition to salary, EHS directors may also be eligible for bonuses, profit sharing, and commission. They may also receive benefits, such as health insurance, life insurance, and retirement plans.

EHS directors who are just starting out in their careers can expect to earn lower salaries than those with more experience. However, with the right education and experience, EHS directors can earn high salaries and enjoy good job security.

The job outlook for EHS directors is positive. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that employment of occupational health and safety specialists will grow 4% from 2019 to 2029, which is about average for all occupations. The need for EHS directors will likely continue to grow as companies increasingly focus on preventing workplace injuries and complying with environmental regulations.

7. Is EHS a good career?

Yes, EHS is a good career because it allows you to help protect people and the environment. It is also a growing field, with many opportunities for advancement.

8. What is EHS officer salary in India?

An EHS officer in India can expect to earn a salary of around Rs. 350,000 per year.

Conclusion

In conclusion, we can see that salaries for EHS directors can vary widely depending on experience and location. However, the median annual salary for an EHS director is $92,760. If you are considering a career in this field, be sure to research salaries in your area so that you can negotiate a fair wage.