OHS attracts salaries 90% above the average Australian salary

As workforces across the country strike and headcount is reduced, career prospects in the OHS sector remain strong, attracting pay packages more than 90% above the average Australian salary.

National Safety Recruitment released its annual salary survey figures today, revealing average salary packages across the sector of $133,854 per annum. The survey shows the mining ($174,700), oil and gas ($187,417) and construction ($173,819) sectors continue to dominate the salary scale.

While the economy is volatile for many professionals, career prospects in the OHS sector are strong. Packages in the mining sector are as high as $557,000 per annum while those looking to move into the sector can expect healthy salary packages of $60,458.

“It is not surprising that we are seeing salaries climb as the demand for OHS professionals exceeds supply,” said Andrew Douglas, a leading practitioner and author in OHS.

“The introduction of harmonisation legislation and increased requirements in due diligence has business focused on safety and its willingness to employ and pay for top safety professionals on the rise.”

Survey highlights

• Average salary $133,854, more than 90% above average Australian salary of $69,992 *ABS
• Top 3 paid industries continue to dominate average salary scale:
  1. Oil and gas/petroleum ($187,417)
  2. Mining ($174,700)
  3. Construction ($173,819)
• Mining total salary packages as high as $557,000 per annum
• Entry level/graduate roles can expect healthy average salary packages of $60,458
• Despite economic uncertainty, full-time employment is solid (94%)
• Attractive salary packages on offer and exceeding 9% super (25%) and bonus (82%)

Salary highlights

• OHS/EHS graduate/administration/support officer - average total salary package of $60,458
• WorkCover/RTW coordinator/advisor/consultant - average total salary package of $87,586
• Occupational health nurse/health and wellbeing advisor - average total salary package of $88,543
• OHS/EHS advisor/coordinator/consultant - average total salary package of $125,978
• Environmental/sustainability advisor/coordinator/consultant - average total salary package of $124,429
• WorkCover/RTW manager/state manager - average total salary package of $114,997
• Quality/compliance manager - average total salary package of $128,611
• OHS/EHS manager/state manager - average total salary package of $159,187
• WorkCover/RTW national manager/general manager - average total salary package of $147,886
• OHS/EHS national manager - average total salary package of $178,474
• OHS/EHS group manager/general manager/director - average total salary package of $256,250