OHS salaries nudge $300,000

Occupational health and safety has become one of Australia's most lucrative career choices, according to details of a survey released at the Safety in Action Conference on Tuesday.

The SafeSearch Health, Safety and Environment Remuneration (HSE) Survey included responses from a range of industries, such as resources, manufacturing, telecommunications, professional services and government.

Julie Honore, managing director of HSE search and recruitment specialist SafeSearch, said the remuneration packages of HSE general managers reinforced the seniority and value increasingly placed by business on these roles.

"The survey confirms that average graduate packages are now commencing at $64,000 and GM roles in the upper quartile exceed $280,000 per annum. This will be quite a surprise to some of the smaller companies," Honore said.

"This may clarify for them why they have been having difficulty filling their roles. While salary alone should never be the sole determinant in taking a role, if a company isn't competitive in this area, then they need to have other benefits such as gym membership and flexible work hours available and be ready to convey these to candidates."

Key findings of the survey included:

• Average graduate packages begin at $64,000
• GM roles in the upper quartile exceed $280,000 per annum
• 20% premium for environmental responsibilities
• Over 75% have formal qualifications although there is no Bachelor degree but there is a post-graduate degree and certificate IV courses " needs to be addressed
• Disproportionate salary gap for those with single- and multi-site responsibilities.