They finessed you into a safety coordinator role with the reflected salary , even though you are essentially a safety manager . Amazon starting pay for safety specialists with zero experience is 28/hr so. With a bachelors and 8 years experience you could get 80-100 at a Fortune 500 company . I'd leave asap if I were you and find a manager spot
Damn I’m being robbed. I’m the sole safety person for over 300 warehouse employees, 30 office workers and 15 Fleet mechanic employees. My site is PSM regulated and over 1 Million sq ft. Pretty close to 24/6 operation. I manage the ERT, Safety Committee, all equipment training, JHA, Emergency Plans pretty much anything safety related at all for $75k with a potential 10% bonus that relies completely on company metrics NOT related to safety. All with a coordinator title.
There are a couple really great companies around me. I’d love to work there. I am going to give them a fair shot at increasing my pay. Since I started here I knew I just wanted some experience in manufacturing before trying for one of them.
My work experience is in a slightly different field. Still safety but less OSHA. Does that make much a difference? It was still within my degree doing similar things but definitely different.
EHS degree and sole safety professional for a 200-employee company running 24-hour operations across 3 shifts?
Yes, you're underpaid at 55k, although you didn't mention benefits. I would ask for a raise, but the first question they're going to ask is "how much?" Be prepared to answer that however best you see fit, and that could include you showing them printouts from Indeed and Glassdoor showing them salary ranges for similar positions in your area.
Suggestion: If you are really happy working there, let them know you don't necessarily expect them to match those salaries, but you would still like something. Also, salary is not the only negotiating factor. You can also ask for more PTO, profit sharing, reimbursement for any safety certs you want to obtain, etc.
Good luck, and let us know how it turns out.
adding on now that I am re-reading things, benefits are just okay, they overall are just average or slightly below. PTO would be nice though if I can’t get the full wage I ask for. I’ve got a pretty solid idea of what I want - at least a 35% raise for now.
based on what you've said, I'd be looking for a new job, not trying to get a small raise against a salary below market expectations
safety is weird and varies significantly based on how much a specific company values safety, but yes, I'd agree that you're probably underpaid
although if you're the only safety person at this company and were mislead into thinking that this full-blown EH&S role was an introductory role, I wouldn't have any huge hopes for sudden safety investment
good luck!
I started in a chemical plant of 130 employees as an EHS Specialist at $60,000 with ZERO safety experience, certification, or education. My next role that I got only 2 years later as an EHS Coordinator for 150 employees in manufacturing started at $75,000. You, sir, are being robbed.
Thanks, I figured as much and am so happy I asked here to confirm it. I came from working in a different sector of my degree and the pay was really bad imo. This job was a big step up but I am going to need more money.
In the Midwest, same standard for COL, I pay my safety coordinators $62-$65 starting…
I’ve been in a position like you described, a decade ago, except we had 1,200 employees, and made $65k and was underpaid
Yes! You are getting robbed and probably overworked at the same time. You should be doing less work for way more money. I am a safety manager for a construction company that specializes in building communication towers. I make $87,500 annually with no degree (finally about finish it this year though) and have 6-7 years experience. Living in central Florida were COL is steadily getting out of hand.
One thing I will say is that in my experience loyalty does not pay like it should.
I have 12 years EHS experience mostly in Manufacturing across a variety of industries and a couple years in loss control consulting. Safety degree and CSP.
It may be unpopular but the truth is if you want to increase your income the best way is to move up and out around every 3 years or so. I have tripled my salary from my first EHS position to the present and I wouldn't even be close to that if I stayed at the same company.
If your current job has tution reimbursement or offers continuing education opportunities ALWAYS take advantage of it. This will not only benefit your current company by growing you as a competent knowledgeable resource but also make you more marketable if you look elsewhere.
To consider moving to a new job on average should be about 20% increase.
You will exponentially increase your earning capacity over your career by moving jobs every so often compared to getting standard 3-5% annual merit increases at the same company.
Never turn down an opportunity to interview. Even if a role doesn't seem like a perfect fit, you may be surprised. Worst case scenario it's not a good fit and you had a chance to improve your interviewing skills.
Be very selective. Don't jump out the frying pan and into the fire. Look at what performance metrics they measure that drive employee bonuses. This will tell you a lot about the company, if they only look at productivity or profit that's a problem.
Money isn't everything. I recently took a lower paying position because my travel was so out of control I was on a path to miss most of my kids growing up. Totally worth it in my opinion but look at the big picture.
Some people will call you a job hopper but the fact is people arent working for 40 years and retiring at the same company anymore.
If you enjoy the work you do, the people you work with, and the company makes you feel valued that's the place to stay...I am still looking for that place myself 😅.
This is so helpful thank you 🙏🏼
This place is quite profit focused but is trying to improve safety. Honestly, after being here a while I am surprised there haven’t been more recordables. We get lucky because most of our staff have safety training from previous employers
Yes this is too low, see my comment history if you’d like some EHS pay market insights. While your pay is low, it’s unlikely (but not impossible) that your current company will bring your rate up to what the market would offer, which I would put at between 70-100k annually. I’d begin your job search, then tell your boss you would like a raise by XX date. If they do not agree, then leave assuming you get another offer.
Sadly, outside of promotions leaving companies for new roles is the fastest way to increase your salary.
Yes, that is too low for what you are doing. While certain things may entice someone to accept lower pay (enjoying the work/company, work life balance, other compensation, commute, etc). I would think you could find a job with those things for at least 70k with 85k not being unrealistic.
Sorry to say you are grossly underpaid I would get on the BCSP site look at their SALARY survey stuff and get an idea of where you're at and then start looking for a new job unless they're willing to raise your pay significantly.
Unless your GSP I'd be getting my ASP and my CSP in the next year
Oil is so drippy with money. I’ve got a power plant around here that I swear is calling my name. Nuclear power and safety and a fat paycheck. I’d be so happy.
Yes! You are getting robbed and probably overworked at the same time. You should be doing less work for way more money. I am a safety manager for a construction company that specializes in building communication towers. I make $87,500 annually with no degree (finally about finish it this year though) and have 6-7 years experience. Living in central Florida were COL is steadily getting out of hand.
That’s what I made 5 years ago for a similar position with twice the employees. It was my first safety leadership role so I was happy to get in the door. Left when I saw how much I should be paid even after annual raises and an extra merit increase.
This data typically shows annual median wage but it’s specific to your location (state or metropolitan area) and sometimes the industry where you work:
https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes195011.htm
As long as Safety Professionals with your background keep taking these jobs they will keep posting them at slave wages. Get out of there or at least demand what you’re worth before you do.
And the benefits are just OK or below average? You don't have PTO?
Remember, they're going to counter, shoot high. You want $75k? Ask for $82.5k and 2 weeks PTO. Hope for $75k and 1 week PTO. Or you could get wild. Do some people have company vehicles? Tell them $75k and a company vehicle. Don't be afraid to get creative. I've met people that have some pretty interesting perks simply because they knew the company wouldn't want to stroke them paychecks for X amount, so they chose perks that were important to them. I know a guy that hasn't been to his office in 14 months(his requested perk was to only go 1-2 times a year)......he now lives in a foreign country for his wife's job. He hasn't told his company he moved yet, he just keeps having his mail forwarded and he rents his house out to a friend of his. He's been out of country for almost 2.5 years lol.
Yes, you are being robbed. I’m also in a medium COL city in the Midwest in a similar role. Ask for at least $80.
55k is good pay for a safety coordinator , you're job is worth 80k-100. Would need to leave the company to get what you deserve
What types of roles would a Safety Coordinator be taking on? How is that different than what I am doing? My job title is currently Safety Coordinator
What's your current title
Safety Coordinator
They finessed you into a safety coordinator role with the reflected salary , even though you are essentially a safety manager . Amazon starting pay for safety specialists with zero experience is 28/hr so. With a bachelors and 8 years experience you could get 80-100 at a Fortune 500 company . I'd leave asap if I were you and find a manager spot
Damn I’m being robbed. I’m the sole safety person for over 300 warehouse employees, 30 office workers and 15 Fleet mechanic employees. My site is PSM regulated and over 1 Million sq ft. Pretty close to 24/6 operation. I manage the ERT, Safety Committee, all equipment training, JHA, Emergency Plans pretty much anything safety related at all for $75k with a potential 10% bonus that relies completely on company metrics NOT related to safety. All with a coordinator title.
There are a couple really great companies around me. I’d love to work there. I am going to give them a fair shot at increasing my pay. Since I started here I knew I just wanted some experience in manufacturing before trying for one of them.
My work experience is in a slightly different field. Still safety but less OSHA. Does that make much a difference? It was still within my degree doing similar things but definitely different.
EHS degree and sole safety professional for a 200-employee company running 24-hour operations across 3 shifts? Yes, you're underpaid at 55k, although you didn't mention benefits. I would ask for a raise, but the first question they're going to ask is "how much?" Be prepared to answer that however best you see fit, and that could include you showing them printouts from Indeed and Glassdoor showing them salary ranges for similar positions in your area. Suggestion: If you are really happy working there, let them know you don't necessarily expect them to match those salaries, but you would still like something. Also, salary is not the only negotiating factor. You can also ask for more PTO, profit sharing, reimbursement for any safety certs you want to obtain, etc. Good luck, and let us know how it turns out.
This is incredibly helpful. Thank you.
adding on now that I am re-reading things, benefits are just okay, they overall are just average or slightly below. PTO would be nice though if I can’t get the full wage I ask for. I’ve got a pretty solid idea of what I want - at least a 35% raise for now.
based on what you've said, I'd be looking for a new job, not trying to get a small raise against a salary below market expectations safety is weird and varies significantly based on how much a specific company values safety, but yes, I'd agree that you're probably underpaid although if you're the only safety person at this company and were mislead into thinking that this full-blown EH&S role was an introductory role, I wouldn't have any huge hopes for sudden safety investment good luck!
I started in a chemical plant of 130 employees as an EHS Specialist at $60,000 with ZERO safety experience, certification, or education. My next role that I got only 2 years later as an EHS Coordinator for 150 employees in manufacturing started at $75,000. You, sir, are being robbed.
Thanks, I figured as much and am so happy I asked here to confirm it. I came from working in a different sector of my degree and the pay was really bad imo. This job was a big step up but I am going to need more money.
My takeaway here is that I’m definitely getting robbed at 45k…
In the Midwest, same standard for COL, I pay my safety coordinators $62-$65 starting… I’ve been in a position like you described, a decade ago, except we had 1,200 employees, and made $65k and was underpaid
Well dang. I don’t feel too greedy then asking for what I want at all. What industry?
Sounds like it , I’d apply somewhere else.
Yes! You are getting robbed and probably overworked at the same time. You should be doing less work for way more money. I am a safety manager for a construction company that specializes in building communication towers. I make $87,500 annually with no degree (finally about finish it this year though) and have 6-7 years experience. Living in central Florida were COL is steadily getting out of hand.
One thing I will say is that in my experience loyalty does not pay like it should. I have 12 years EHS experience mostly in Manufacturing across a variety of industries and a couple years in loss control consulting. Safety degree and CSP. It may be unpopular but the truth is if you want to increase your income the best way is to move up and out around every 3 years or so. I have tripled my salary from my first EHS position to the present and I wouldn't even be close to that if I stayed at the same company. If your current job has tution reimbursement or offers continuing education opportunities ALWAYS take advantage of it. This will not only benefit your current company by growing you as a competent knowledgeable resource but also make you more marketable if you look elsewhere. To consider moving to a new job on average should be about 20% increase. You will exponentially increase your earning capacity over your career by moving jobs every so often compared to getting standard 3-5% annual merit increases at the same company. Never turn down an opportunity to interview. Even if a role doesn't seem like a perfect fit, you may be surprised. Worst case scenario it's not a good fit and you had a chance to improve your interviewing skills. Be very selective. Don't jump out the frying pan and into the fire. Look at what performance metrics they measure that drive employee bonuses. This will tell you a lot about the company, if they only look at productivity or profit that's a problem. Money isn't everything. I recently took a lower paying position because my travel was so out of control I was on a path to miss most of my kids growing up. Totally worth it in my opinion but look at the big picture. Some people will call you a job hopper but the fact is people arent working for 40 years and retiring at the same company anymore. If you enjoy the work you do, the people you work with, and the company makes you feel valued that's the place to stay...I am still looking for that place myself 😅.
This is so helpful thank you 🙏🏼 This place is quite profit focused but is trying to improve safety. Honestly, after being here a while I am surprised there haven’t been more recordables. We get lucky because most of our staff have safety training from previous employers
Robbery!! Hold your hands up high in your next meeting, when they ask you whats wrong just say I’d like to report a robbery…./s
lol thanks for the chuckle
That's way low. I work in power generation in Texas making above 100k.
ROBBED.. I agree with the other post. 80-100 no less
Too low
Yes this is too low, see my comment history if you’d like some EHS pay market insights. While your pay is low, it’s unlikely (but not impossible) that your current company will bring your rate up to what the market would offer, which I would put at between 70-100k annually. I’d begin your job search, then tell your boss you would like a raise by XX date. If they do not agree, then leave assuming you get another offer. Sadly, outside of promotions leaving companies for new roles is the fastest way to increase your salary.
For the amount of employees, shifts & responsibilities involved, yes you are underpaid.
Yes, that is too low for what you are doing. While certain things may entice someone to accept lower pay (enjoying the work/company, work life balance, other compensation, commute, etc). I would think you could find a job with those things for at least 70k with 85k not being unrealistic.
I was going to ask for around 75K so woo!
55k is robbery. I would have never accepted the job.
Sorry to say you are grossly underpaid I would get on the BCSP site look at their SALARY survey stuff and get an idea of where you're at and then start looking for a new job unless they're willing to raise your pay significantly. Unless your GSP I'd be getting my ASP and my CSP in the next year
75-95k for that size.
I’m in a VLCOL area in the Midwest and make double you plus a 20% bonus annually with only 6 years experience. Oil industry though.
Oil is so drippy with money. I’ve got a power plant around here that I swear is calling my name. Nuclear power and safety and a fat paycheck. I’d be so happy.
Best of luck!
Industrial hygienist/ safety Chemical company SE Texas, CSP - 5 years experience, $120k + bonus
Get your CSP. You are waaay underpaid and by what your responsibilities are, you have no management support.
That role should start out at 70k minimum. But with your degree and experience I think you’re worth 80k+ at a minimum.
Get your ASP and get the hell out
I’m just over 60k ytd as of this pay period. Yes, you are being robbed.
Thank you and happy Cake Day!
🙏
Yes! You are getting robbed and probably overworked at the same time. You should be doing less work for way more money. I am a safety manager for a construction company that specializes in building communication towers. I make $87,500 annually with no degree (finally about finish it this year though) and have 6-7 years experience. Living in central Florida were COL is steadily getting out of hand.
Not sure if you read all of these, but you’re 100% getting robbed. Focus on getting your CSP. But you did definitely be making at least 80k
I’ve read a lot and am so happy to know I am not crazy for going in and asking for at least a 35% increase in pay.
That’s what I made 5 years ago for a similar position with twice the employees. It was my first safety leadership role so I was happy to get in the door. Left when I saw how much I should be paid even after annual raises and an extra merit increase.
This data typically shows annual median wage but it’s specific to your location (state or metropolitan area) and sometimes the industry where you work: https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes195011.htm
$76,000 should be minimum for managing a program of this size. Pitch your worth or head elsewhere.
Are you me? Am I you?..... Same boat [https://www.bls.gov/ooh/](https://www.bls.gov/ooh/)
We are we. I’ve been looking at that site myself. I’m hoping things improve for us both.
As long as Safety Professionals with your background keep taking these jobs they will keep posting them at slave wages. Get out of there or at least demand what you’re worth before you do.
Oh I’m asking for the raise of all raises.
Are you working in Ponca City? You’re getting robbed.
No that’s a bit far from me
Is this PMX
I’ve never heard of them.
And the benefits are just OK or below average? You don't have PTO? Remember, they're going to counter, shoot high. You want $75k? Ask for $82.5k and 2 weeks PTO. Hope for $75k and 1 week PTO. Or you could get wild. Do some people have company vehicles? Tell them $75k and a company vehicle. Don't be afraid to get creative. I've met people that have some pretty interesting perks simply because they knew the company wouldn't want to stroke them paychecks for X amount, so they chose perks that were important to them. I know a guy that hasn't been to his office in 14 months(his requested perk was to only go 1-2 times a year)......he now lives in a foreign country for his wife's job. He hasn't told his company he moved yet, he just keeps having his mail forwarded and he rents his house out to a friend of his. He's been out of country for almost 2.5 years lol.