6 Safety Positions in Construction

Medical professionals aren’t the only ones who regularly save lives. People with construction safety careers prevent fatal accidents every day. They also reduce the number of workplace injuries overall. It’s a rewarding line of work, and any of these jobs pave a solid career path in the construction industry.

1. Occupational Health and Safety Technician | Salary $59K-$96K*

Qualifications and training
This entry-level safety position requires a high school diploma, though some employers prefer candidates with a certificate from a professional organization or an associate's degree from a community college. On-the-job training is typically offered. 

Key responsibilities

• Inspect job sites
• Implement and evaluate risk-mitigation programs for workers, the property, and the environment
• Assist occupational health and safety specialist
  
  

2. Occupational Health and Safety Specialist | Salary $80K-$136K*

Qualifications and training

A bachelor’s degree is typically required to become an occupational health and safety specialist. Practical job experience is also helpful.

Key responsibilities

• Collect and analyze data on job sites
• Identify potential hazards and risks 
• Design process improvements 

3. Construction Safety Manager | Salary $81K-$128K*

Qualifications and training

A bachelor's degree in construction management, occupational health and safety, or a related field is typically required to become a construction safety manager. Additional certifications from OSHA or the Board of Certified Safety Professionals may be obtained to increase a construction site safety manager's salary.

Key responsibilities

• Ensure subcontractor and employee compliance with industry regulations, as well as local, state and federal laws
• Investigate accidents and prepare incident reports
• Develop and conduct safety training programs for crew and management

4. Construction Safety Director | Salary $149K-$238K

Qualifications and training

This senior-level position requires a bachelor’s degree and approximately 10 years of experience in the construction industry. Certifications from OSHA or the Board of Certified Safety Professionals are also typically required to be a director of construction safety.

Key responsibilities

• Supervise all safety managers, officers, specialists, and technicians in an organization
• Manage workers compensation and vehicle insurance claims.
• Develop annual plans and budgets for safety/health initiatives

5. Flagger | Salary $39K-$54K*

Qualifications and training

A high school diploma and valid driver’s license are typically required to obtain a job as a flagger. Those with certification from the American Traffic Safety Services Association may have an advantage, though on-the-job training is usually provided.

Key responsibilities

• Place barricades, signs and cones around the construction site
• Direct vehicles and maintain the flow of traffic
• Communicate with other flaggers via radio 

6. Construction Traffic Control Supervisor | Salary $53K-$83K*

Qualifications and training

A professional certification from the American Traffic Safety Services Association and a high school diploma is required. Practical experience as a flagger or other construction job is helpful.

Key responsibilities

• Plan, coordinate, and oversee road closures and traffic control measures to divert vehicles and pedestrians on/around job sites
• Oversee flaggers and other traffic personnel
• Ensure local, state, federal, and industry regulations are met

*All salary information is estimated by Glassdoor.com.

Other Construction Safety Careers

From field safety engineers to safety trainers and risk consultants, there are many other safety positions in the construction industry to consider — and the field is expanding rapidly. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects overall employment growth of 14% between 2023 and 2033. 

If you’re interested in a job in construction but aren’t sure if a safety career is right for you, take this career quiz to find your ideal role.