How do you become an occupational health nurse?
An occupational health nurse is a registered nurse who promotes worker health and safety: treating workplace injuries, running screening and wellness programs, and helping the employer meet safety regulations.
Path
An RN license plus experience, usually in a clinical setting first. A bachelor’s degree is a common preference, and nurses who move into program management often add a master’s or a business course. The American Board for Occupational Health Nurses certifies occupational and environmental health nurses.
Where they work
Manufacturing, hospitals’ employee health departments, corporations, government agencies and clinics for contract workers. Hours are often regular.
Pay
Occupational health nurses are not a separate federal category. The median RN earned $97,550 in May 2025.
Pay and projections: Bureau of Labor Statistics. NCLEX figures: NCSBN. Enrollment: AACN. Sources and years are ondata sources.