What a safety / EHS manager earns in Washington — an estimated median of about $104,000 per year — plus who regulates workplace safety in the state and how to push your pay higher.
In Washington, a safety or EHS manager earns an estimated median of about $104,000 per year, with most roles falling between $81,120 and $140,400. These figures are estimates anchored on the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OES, May 2024 release) national median for occupational health & safety specialists — $83,910 (SOC 19-5011) — scaled to Washington’s wage level. Actual pay depends on industry, employer size, certifications and years of experience. Aerospace (Boeing), tech, and maritime; the Division of OSH within L&I runs stringent standards covering private and public sectors.
Washington runs its own OSHA-approved State Plan (WA DOSH (L&I)), which covers both private-sector and state/local government employers and can set standards stricter than federal OSHA. Safety managers here must comply with the state plan, not just federal rules.
The largest concentrations of EHS and safety-manager roles in Washington are around Seattle, Tacoma, Spokane, driven by the state’s main industries.
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See also: national salary guide · certification roadmap · all states
How much does a safety manager make in Washington?
In Washington, a safety or EHS manager earns an estimated median of about $104,000 per year, with a typical range of $81,120 to $140,400 depending on industry, experience, employer size and certifications. Figures are estimates anchored on BLS OES data.
Does Washington have its own OSHA?
Washington runs its own OSHA-approved State Plan (WA DOSH (L&I)), which covers both private-sector and state/local government employers and can set standards stricter than federal OSHA. Safety managers here must comply with the state plan, not just federal rules.
How can I increase my safety salary in Washington?
Earn a recognised certification (the BCSP CSP can add roughly $20,000+ over the uncertified baseline), move into higher-paying industries such as oil & gas, chemicals or construction, take on multi-site or director scope, and build experience. Use the free salary estimator to model your own number.
Salary figures are estimates derived from BLS national OES data scaled to state wage levels — not a guarantee or an offer. Verify current local data with BLS and employers. ← All states · Home