Good news for industrial hygienists (IH): Their average salary increased 10.76% in the last five years, according to a new survey from their professional association.
The American Industrial Hygiene Association (AIHA) survey shows that, as of June 30, 2013:
- the average IH salary was $105,166 compared to $94,947 in 2008, and
- the median salary (half above, half below) was $100,000.
Those IHs who are independent consultants had the highest average salary: $135,023. Those in the pharmaceutical ($117,106), energy ($116,404), construction ($112,579) and manufacturing ($106,396) industries also earned salaries above the overall mean.
Several other factors impacted salary. IHs located in New England had the highest salary ($115,742). Those in the West North Central region (North Dakota, South Dakota, Nebraska, Kansas, Minnesota, Iowa and Missouri) had the lowest ($97,111).
Certification also made a difference. IHs with Certified Industrial Hygienist (CIH) and/or Certified Safety Professional (CSP) earned more. Higher salaries in several industries correlated more with CIH than CSP.
Some other findings from the AIHA salary survey:
- Education made a difference in salary, ranging from an average of $90,861 for IHs with a high school or associate’s degree to $121,605 for IHs with a Doctorate.
- 25% earned $80,000 or less, and 25% earned $124,239 or more.
- 70% of respondents were male, 30% female; average age was 48.
- Government (20%), Manufacturing (16%) and Consulting Firms (15%) were the largest segments in the sample.
- Total compensation (salary plus additional cash compensation) averaged $114,680.
- Salary and total compensation went up by age group across all industries, with those 65 or older (4.4% of respondents) earning nearly double the average annual salary of those in the youngest age group (those under 35).
- Almost 25% of respondents had 30 or more years experience in industrial hygiene. Ten percent had five years of less in the profession.
The study asked 3,852 respondents what their salary was as of June 30, 2013. This is the first AIHA salary survey since 2008. Respondents included IHs who were and weren’t AIHA members.
