The average salaries of workplace health, safety, environment and injury management professionals have jumped by as much as 17 per cent over the last 12 months, but those seeking further high rises "may need to think again", according to a national survey.
National Safety Recruitment's third annual salary survey of more than 1100 safety professionals - from 626 organisations across 28 industries - found the average total salary packages for all roles have risen over the last 12 months.
WHS/EHS group managers/directors experienced the largest increase, with average total salary packages jumping by 17 per cent, from $256,250 in 2012 to $300,939 this year.
The survey found these group managers/directors earn the most in regional NSW (with average packages of $418,087 in 2013), followed by regional Western Australia ($381,500), Brisbane ($316,940), Perth ($309,300), regional Queensland ($308,250), Melbourne ($285,615) and Sydney ($282,878).
For WHS/EHS national managers, the average salary package has risen from $178,474 in 2012 to $190,173, while average salaries for state managers have increased from $159,187 to $165,480.
WHS/EHS advisors, coordinators and consultants experienced modest increases (from $125,978 in 2012 to $126,817), and average packages for safety graduates and support officers rose significantly, from $60,458 to $71,997.
By industry, Australia's highest earning safety professionals work in the oil, gas and petroleum sector (with average salary packages of $218,426), followed by the chemicals industry ($212,548), pharmaceuticals ($203,300), mining ($186,673) and construction ($181,226).
But wages growth is likely to slow to levels seen in 2007 over the next few months, the survey report says.
"As the Australian jobless rate is expected to rise and consumer confidence weakens, employees seeking pay rises may need to think again," it says.
"Softening wages growth may mean employers need to focus on other factors besides remuneration to retain and motivate their staff.
"Increased job satisfaction is a viable option as the main driver for people choosing to move on (49%)."
Contact National Safety Recruitment to obtain a copy of the survey.
