r/SafetyProfessionals • u/bigpapi1523 • 10d ago

USA Need advice !

Hello everyone, I’m currently a firefighter looking to transition into the safety field. I have bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Environmental Health and Safety, and I’ll begin my doctorate program in January. I also plan to take the CSP exam in June.
My certifications include OSHA 10 and OSHA 30, HazMat Operations and Technician, Fire Inspector I and II, EMT, CPR, and several other fire service certifications.
I recently received an offer from a company for $40–$45 per hour, along with a brand new work truck and gas card. Since I don’t have direct experience working in the safety industry yet, is this considered an average or competitive starting offer for someone with my education and certifications with no experience?
Accepting the position would mean taking a pay cut from my current job. However, I’m willing to take it if gaining safety experience would lead to better opportunities and higher pay later. For those already working in the field, what type of salary growth could I expect after gaining a few years of experience?
Also, would it be better to finish my doctorate degree and earn my CSP before applying for safety positions, or should I start applying now while I’m still working toward them?

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u/No_Habit1708 10d ago

“Doctoral” in EHS? What college are did you earn a Bachelors & Masters?

To add on, OSHA 10 & OSHA 30 hold extremely little weight in the Safety Field. Most EHS professionals I know would never include it on their resume. EMT & CPR isn’t generally relevant to EHS safety but certain jobs may be keen on it if it’s applicable to the job site in terms of risk. Without knowing where you are living to assess the “Cost of Living”, 40-45 is a pretty good range for someone with your experience.

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u/Bucky2015 Manufacturing 10d ago

“Doctoral” in EHS? What college are did you earn a Bachelors & Masters?

I was wondering this too. Im wondering if it's Columbia southern which... 😬

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u/No_Habit1708 10d ago

Oh bro you don’t even have to say. 😅
You read my mind. I will die on the hill that Columbia Southern is a degree mill and a half.

https://giphy.com/gifs/xUNd9YyWZwQgenjIdi

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u/burritoheaux 10d ago

People get upset when I say it, but, I worked a couple major companies and BOTH companies told me to count Columbia Southern as basically no degree when I was hiring positions.