Occupational health nurses earn salaries that closely track the broader RN market, with meaningful premiums for COHN certification, management experience, and high-demand industries like energy and government contracting. Because OHNs are classified under the same Bureau of Labor Statistics occupational code as all registered nurses (SOC 29-1141), specialty salary benchmarks come from a mix of BLS data, employer surveys, and salary aggregator platforms rather than a dedicated OHN data series.
| Benchmark | Annual salary | Source |
|---|---|---|
| BLS national median (RNs, SOC 29-1141, May 2025) | $97,550 | BLS OEWS |
| BLS national mean (RNs, SOC 29-1141, May 2025) | $101,420 | BLS OEWS |
| OHN average, all respondents (AAOHN 2022 survey) | $98,842 | AAOHN 2022 |
| OHN median, all respondents (AAOHN 2022 survey) | $95,000 | AAOHN 2022 |
| COHN-certified average (AAOHN 2022 survey) | $93,531 | AAOHN 2022 |
| COHN-S certified average (AAOHN 2022 survey) | $112,408 | AAOHN 2022 |
| COHN-S/CM certified average (AAOHN 2022 survey) | $110,208 | AAOHN 2022 |
| COHN/CM certified average (AAOHN 2022 survey) | $105,000 | AAOHN 2022 |
| Average starting salary (AAOHN 2022 survey) | $82,409 | AAOHN 2022 |
A note on data variance: OHN salary figures vary considerably across sources because the BLS does not publish a separate OHN occupational code. Salary aggregators (Salary.com, PayScale, Glassdoor, ZipRecruiter) each use different methodologies and sample sizes, and several report OHN averages well below the AAOHN survey figures. The AAOHN 2022 Compensation and Benefits Survey, which drew 725 completed responses directly from occupational and environmental health nurses, provides the most specialty-specific data available and is the primary source used throughout this guide.
National salary overview
The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports a national median of $97,550 per year for all registered nurses (May 2025, SOC 29-1141), with a mean of $101,420. The gap between the two reflects a right-skewed distribution in which high earners pull the average above the midpoint.
The most meaningful OHN-specific data comes from the AAOHN 2022 Compensation and Benefits Survey, which found:
- Average salary across all OHN respondents: $98,842
- Median salary across all OHN respondents: $95,000
- Average starting salary: $82,409 (median starting salary $85,000)
- COHN-certified OHNs: $93,531 on average
- COHN-S certified OHNs: $112,408 on average
An important distinction that is frequently misreported: the $82,409 figure is the average starting salary for respondents’ current roles, not the average for non-certified OHNs. The survey does not publish a clean non-certified average, so comparisons that treat $82,409 as an uncertified baseline overstate the certification premium. Since 2018 the average AAOHN salary has risen 13.6% and the median 14.5%.
These AAOHN figures reflect self-reported compensation from practicing OHNs – a more relevant benchmark for the specialty than a general RN median. They also sit meaningfully above the figures published by salary aggregator platforms, several of which report OHN averages in the $68,000–$86,000 range. The AAOHN sample skews experienced: half of respondents were 56 or older, and 79% held an active RN license in an occupational health role, so the survey is best read as a benchmark for established practitioners rather than for nurses entering the specialty.
Salary by work setting
Work setting has a significant effect on OHN compensation. Industrial, energy, and government settings consistently outpace hospital employee health roles. The table below reflects data from multiple aggregator platforms and the AAOHN survey.
| Work setting | Typical salary range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Mining, oil and gas, energy | $90,000–$120,000+ | Remote site premiums; solo-coverage roles command highest pay |
| Federal government (GS scale) | $75,000–$110,000 | GS-9 to GS-12; locality pay adds 15–35% in high-cost areas |
| Employment services / HR staffing | $85,000–$102,000 | Consulting and third-party OHN providers |
| Corporate / technology campuses | $80,000–$105,000 | Strong health promotion and benefits focus; metro premium |
| Manufacturing (automotive, aerospace, food processing) | $75,000–$95,000 | High OSHA compliance demand; union-adjacent settings often higher |
| Hospital employee health | $70,000–$90,000 | Closest to general RN wage; lower ceiling than industrial |
| Military contractor / defense | $80,000–$108,000 | Security clearance may be required; competitive with federal GS |
The highest salaries are concentrated in settings where the OHN is the sole healthcare provider, where regulatory exposure is high (federal contractors, mining operations), or where metro cost-of-living drives the compensation market upward.
Salary by state
The table below draws from BLS May 2025 OEWS data for registered nurses (SOC 29-1141) and reflects the state-level pay environment for OHNs. Because OHNs are classified under the general RN code, these figures represent the RN wage midpoint in each state – OHNs with COHN certification and industrial experience will typically sit at or above the state median.
| State | BLS RN median (May 2025) |
|---|---|
| California | $140,270 |
| Hawaii | $136,320 |
| Oregon | $129,010 |
| Washington | $124,200 |
| Alaska | $109,480 |
| New York | $109,440 |
| New Jersey | $106,500 |
| Massachusetts | $104,550 |
| Nevada | $103,670 |
| Connecticut | $102,740 |
| Washington, D.C. | $102,540 |
| Minnesota | $101,510 |
| Colorado | $100,260 |
| Maryland | $99,790 |
| Arizona | $99,500 |
| Pennsylvania | $96,430 |
| Illinois | $95,990 |
| Texas | $95,970 |
| Michigan | $94,300 |
| Virginia | $93,600 |
| Georgia | $93,550 |
| North Carolina | $84,350 |
| Florida | $84,190 |
| Ohio | $82,510 |
| South Dakota | $78,060 |
Source: BLS OEWS May 2025, SOC 29-1141 (Registered Nurses), accessed via ONET OnLine local wage data. OHN salaries vary within each state based on industry, employer size, certification, and experience.*
California and the Pacific Northwest represent the highest-paying markets for OHNs in the country. The energy corridor states (Texas, Alaska, Colorado, Oklahoma) often produce higher OHN salaries than their general RN medians would suggest, due to the concentration of mining, oil and gas, and defense contractors employing OHNs with hazard pay and remote premiums.
Federal government OHNs in high-cost cities benefit substantially from locality pay adjustments – a GS-11 OHN in the San Francisco locality zone earns meaningfully more than the same grade in a rural area.
COHN certification salary premium
The AAOHN 2022 Compensation and Benefits Survey provides the clearest data on how credentials track with pay. The survey reported average salaries by certification:
- COHN: $93,531
- COHN/CM: $105,000
- COHN-S/CM: $110,208
- COHN-S: $112,408
The survey’s own framing is that respondents holding additional certifications earn significantly more than those holding COHN alone. The COHN-S figure sits roughly $19,000 above COHN, reflecting both the management and supervisory roles associated with that credential and the fact that many COHN-S holders are in Director of Occupational Health or regional management positions.
Two cautions on reading these numbers. The survey does not report an average for OHNs holding no certification at all, so a clean “certified versus uncertified” premium cannot be calculated from this data – figures circulating online that compare certification averages against the $82,409 starting-salary figure are comparing two different things. And because certification correlates with seniority, part of the gap reflects years of experience rather than the credential by itself.
What the credential does more clearly is gate access. Most OHN job postings in industrial settings list COHN or COHN-S as a preferred or required qualification, which makes certification a route into higher-paying positions rather than simply a negotiating chip.
Certification costs are modest against these figures. ABOHN charges a $150 application fee plus a $400 examination fee for either COHN or COHN-S, a total of $550, with annual renewal at $150 thereafter.
Salary by experience level
| Experience level | Typical annual salary range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Entry (under 1 year in OHN role) | $65,000–$75,000 | Often entering from employee health or med-surg background |
| Early career (1–4 years OHN experience) | $82,000–$90,000 | Near the AAOHN average starting salary of $82,409 |
| Mid-career (5–9 years, COHN certified) | $90,000–$100,000 | COHN certification typically achieved in this band |
| Experienced (10+ years, COHN or COHN-S) | $93,000–$115,000 | AAOHN survey average for COHN holders $93,531 |
| OHN Manager / Program Director (COHN-S) | $105,000–$130,000+ | AAOHN survey average for COHN-S holders $112,408 |
The AAOHN survey data suggests experienced, certified OHNs sit near or above the BLS national RN median of $97,550, with management and COHN-S holders well above it. The survey also found that 66% of respondents received a raise in the year covered, and 30% of those receiving a raise saw an increase of 7.0% or greater.
How to increase your earning potential
Earn COHN or COHN-S certification. AAOHN survey respondents holding COHN-S averaged $112,408 against $93,531 for COHN alone, a gap of roughly $19,000. Part of that gap reflects seniority rather than the credential in isolation, but the credential also opens doors to positions restricted to certified candidates, and at $550 in application and exam fees it is one of the cheapest levers available.
Add the CCM credential. The Certified Case Manager (CCM) credential from the Commission for Case Manager Certification (CCMC) complements COHN well and is valued by employers in insurance, corporate benefits, and disability management settings. OHNs with both COHN and CCM are positioned for higher-paying roles where case management is a primary function.
Move into management. The jump from staff OHN to OHN Manager or Director of Occupational Health is the single largest salary lever available. The AAOHN survey found respondents in exempt positions averaging $106,483, and one in three respondents supervise registered nurses. Earning a COHN-S and building supervisory experience systematically is the direct path.
Target industrial and energy employers. Manufacturing, mining, oil and gas, and energy employers pay measurably more than hospital employee health roles. If you are willing to work in industrial settings – including potentially remote or hazardous sites – the salary ceiling rises significantly.
Pursue federal government roles. Federal OHN positions at the GS-11 and GS-12 levels offer strong base salaries, locality pay in expensive metro areas, federal benefits packages (health insurance, pension, TSP retirement matching), and consistent raises. The Department of Veterans Affairs, Department of Defense, and Department of Energy are the largest federal employers of OHNs.
Consider consulting. Independent OHN consultants with COHN-S credentials, regulatory expertise, and a strong employer network can earn $80–$150+ per hour through contract work. This path carries the trade-offs of self-employment, but experienced OHNs with niche expertise – OSHA compliance, return-to-work program design, expert witness work – can exceed salaried compensation significantly.
Pursue an MSN or graduate-level specialization. While not required for COHN, an MSN with an occupational health, nursing administration, or public health focus expands access to advanced practice, academic, and senior consulting roles. The AAOHN survey found that salary rises with education level, and 35% of respondents held at least a master’s degree.
Negotiate for the right market. Geographic arbitrage is real in this specialty. An OHN willing to relocate from the Southeast to California, Oregon, or Washington, or to accept a remote site energy role in Alaska, can add $20,000–$50,000 to their annual compensation from geography alone.
For a broader view of how RN specialty salaries compare, see our registered nurse salary guide. For the career path and certification details behind these numbers, see how to become an occupational health nurse. Nurses with strong case management interests may also find the nurse case manager career guide useful.
Frequently asked questions
What is the average salary for an occupational health nurse?
The AAOHN 2022 Compensation and Benefits Survey, the most specialty-specific source available, found an average salary of $98,842 and a median of $95,000 across 725 OHN respondents. COHN-certified OHNs averaged $93,531 and COHN-S certified OHNs averaged $112,408. The average starting salary was $82,409. The BLS national median for all registered nurses was $97,550 as of May 2025.
Does COHN certification increase your salary?
Certification tracks with higher pay, but the survey data does not support a single clean premium figure. AAOHN reported averages of $93,531 for COHN, $105,000 for COHN/CM, $110,208 for COHN-S/CM, and $112,408 for COHN-S. No average was published for OHNs holding no certification at all, so “premium” figures derived by comparing these against the $82,409 average starting salary are comparing two different measures. Certification also opens access to positions that require the credential as a minimum qualification.
What is the highest-paying setting for occupational health nurses?
Mining, oil and gas, and energy settings typically pay the highest OHN salaries – $90,000–$120,000+ for experienced nurses in solo-coverage or remote roles. Federal government positions with GS-11 or GS-12 grades plus locality pay in high-cost areas are also among the highest-paying options.
What state pays occupational health nurses the most?
California has the highest BLS RN median at $140,270 (May 2025), followed by Hawaii ($136,320), Oregon ($129,010), Washington ($124,200), and Alaska ($109,480). Energy-intensive states like Texas, Colorado, and Alaska may pay OHNs above their state’s general RN median due to industry premiums.
How much do federal government occupational health nurses earn?
Federal OHN roles typically fall in the GS-9 to GS-12 range. GS-11 and GS-12 positions range from roughly $75,000–$110,000 before locality pay adjustments. Federal employees in high-cost areas receive locality pay supplements of 15–35%, significantly increasing total compensation.
Why do occupational health nurse salary numbers vary so much across websites?
The BLS does not publish a separate occupational code for OHNs – they are classified under SOC 29-1141 with all registered nurses. Salary platforms each use different methodologies and sample sizes. Specialty-specific data from the AAOHN Compensation and Benefits Survey is the most directly relevant benchmark for practicing OHNs.
Is occupational health nursing a well-paying nursing specialty?
Yes. The AAOHN 2022 survey put the overall OHN average at $98,842 and the median at $95,000, both at or above the BLS national RN median of $97,550 for May 2025, with COHN-S holders averaging over $112,000. The specialty also offers strong work-life balance with predominantly Monday–Friday schedules and minimal shift work – making total compensation attractive relative to hospital nursing roles that require nights, weekends, and holidays.
References
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025 – Registered Nurses (SOC 29-1141). https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes291141.htm
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Occupational Employment and Wages – May 2025 news release. https://www.bls.gov/news.release/pdf/ocwage.pdf
- American Association of Occupational Health Nurses. 2022 Compensation and Benefits Survey (executive summary, n=725). https://www.aaohn.org/Portals/0/docs/AAOHN_2022SalarySurvey_Summary_FINAL.pdf
- American Association of Occupational Health Nurses. 2018 Compensation and Benefits Survey (baseline for growth comparison). https://www.aaohn.org/Portals/0/docs/2018%20Salary%20Survey%20Executive%20Summary.pdf
- American Board for Occupational Health Nurses (ABOHN). Fees and Payments – COHN and COHN-S application, examination, and renewal fees. https://www.abohn.org/certification/fees-and-payments
- American Board for Occupational Health Nurses (ABOHN). COHN and COHN-S Eligibility Requirements. https://www.abohn.org/certification/cohn-cohn-s-eligibility
- O*NET OnLine. Local Salary Information – Registered Nurses (29-1141.00), state-level BLS 2025 wage data. https://www.onetonline.org/link/localwages/29-1141.00
- U.S. Office of Personnel Management. General Schedule (GS) pay and locality pay tables. https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/pay-leave/salaries-wages/
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Occupational Outlook Handbook – Registered Nurses. https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/registered-nurses.htm
- Commission for Case Manager Certification. CCM certification requirements. https://yourcommission.org/certifications