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Safety Program Manager Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

The Health & Safety Program Manager is responsible for managing system safety programs and chemical compliance processes to ensure a safe and compliant operational environment. This role drives ...

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Safety Program Manager information

See California salary details

$38K

$106.1K

$154.9K

How much do safety program manager jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 1, 2026, the average yearly pay for safety program manager in California is $106,053.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $78,500.00 and $130,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a Safety Program Manager do?

A Safety Program Manager is responsible for developing, implementing, and overseeing safety policies and programs within an organization. They ensure that all workplace safety regulations are followed to protect employees, customers, and the company as a whole. This includes conducting risk assessments, training staff on safety procedures, investigating incidents, and keeping up with regulatory changes. Their goal is to minimize accidents and injuries while fostering a culture of safety.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Safety Program Manager, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Safety Program Manager, you need expertise in occupational health and safety, risk assessment, and regulatory compliance, often supported by a bachelor’s degree in safety management or a related field. Familiarity with OSHA standards, incident reporting systems, and safety management software, as well as certifications like CSP or CHST, is typically required. Strong leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills help drive a culture of safety and engage team members at all levels. These skills and qualifications are crucial to effectively identify hazards, implement safety programs, and ensure a safe workplace environment.

What are some common challenges faced by Safety Program Managers when implementing new safety protocols across different departments?

Safety Program Managers often encounter resistance to change when introducing new protocols, particularly in departments with established routines. Communication and consistent training are key to overcoming these challenges, as is tailoring safety messaging to address the specific risks and workflows of each team. Collaboration with department leads and regular follow-ups help ensure buy-in and compliance, making it essential for Safety Program Managers to be both adaptable and proactive in their approach.

What is the difference between Safety Program Manager vs Safety Coordinator?

AspectSafety Program ManagerSafety Coordinator
CertificationsOSHA 30-hour, CSP or ASP preferredOSHA 10-hour or 30-hour, basic safety certifications
Work EnvironmentOversees safety programs across departments, strategic planningSupports safety initiatives, conducts inspections, assists with training
Employer & Industry UsageCommon in manufacturing, construction, industrial sectorsUsed in similar industries, often as entry-level or support role

The Safety Program Manager typically develops and manages comprehensive safety strategies, requiring advanced certifications and experience. The Safety Coordinator focuses on implementing safety policies, conducting inspections, and supporting safety efforts. Both roles are vital for workplace safety but differ in scope and responsibility.

What are popular job titles related to Safety Program Manager jobs in California? For Safety Program Manager jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Safety Program Manager jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Safety Program Manager jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Safety Program Manager jobs? Cities in California with the most Safety Program Manager job openings:
Infographic showing various Safety Program Manager job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 84% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $106,053 per year, or $51 per hour.

SAFETY PROGRAM MANAGER

U.S. Department of Defense (DOD)

Port Hueneme Cbc Base, CA • On-site

$89K/yr

Other

This job post has expired 1 day ago. Applications are no longer accepted.


U.S. Department Of Defense rating

7.9

Company rating: 7.9 out of 10

Based on 537 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

28th of 49 rated military and defense


Job description

You will serve as a SAFETY PROGRAM MANAGER in the SAFETY MANAGEMENT DIVISION of NAVAL FACILITIES ENGINEERING AND EXPEDITIONARY WARFARE CENTER.
This position is part of the Naval Facilities Engineering and Expeditionary Warfare Center (EXWC) Personnel Demonstration Project. The NT-03 pay band encompasses positions equivalent to GS-12 through GS-14. The position has a control point equivalent to the GS-13 Step 10 grade.Qualifications:Your resume must demonstrate at least one year of specialized experience at or equivalent to the NT-02 pay band (GS-05 through GS-11), in the Federal service or equivalent experience in the private or public sector. Specialized experience must demonstrate the following: 1) Managing high-risk safety programs (e.g. Confined Space, Control of Hazardous Energy, Fall Protection, Weight Handling Equipment), construction safety, contractor safety oversight, and/or facility system safety); 2) Ensuring compliance with Occupational Safety and Health and other Safety Programs; and 3) Coordinating investigations involving personnel and/or damage to government property
Additional qualification information can be found from the following Office of Personnel Management web site: https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/#url=List-by-Occupational-Series
Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., professional, philanthropic, religious, spiritual, community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment.Education:This job does not have an education qualification requirement.Employment Type: OTHER

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